Following a five-hour meeting in Berlin in December 2025 with U.S. envoys, including special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Zelenskyy stated that if the U.S. and Western partners provide strong security assurances capable of deterring future Russian aggression, Ukraine could set aside its NATO aspirations for now. This statement emerged as the Trump administration pushes for a peace settlement that includes recognition of Russian control over eastern regions and a commitment from Ukraine not to join NATO.
According to reports, including from the Financial Times, Trump's envoys pressed Zelenskyy to respond to the U.S. proposal within days, aiming for an agreement by Christmas. Trump views this as a potential major foreign policy achievement in his second term. While Zelenskyy has rejected any territorial surrender—stating it would be neither legally nor morally acceptable—he has prepared a counter-proposal that avoids ceding currently controlled areas.
This offer marks a change in Ukraine's long-term strategy. NATO membership has been Kyiv's primary demand for security, but current geopolitical realities make it seem distant. The initial U.S. plan supported many Russian demands, including recognition of Crimea and Donbas under Russian control. Zelenskyy's willingness to pause the NATO bid signals response to this pressure, but he seeks guarantees akin to NATO's Article 5 mutual defense clause.
European allies are demanding involvement in the process, fearing a solely U.S.-brokered deal could leave Ukraine vulnerable. Countries like Germany are pushing for increased aid using frozen Russian assets, but Trump's "America First" policy has raised questions about Western unity.
Zelenskyy finds himself in a dilemma: continuing the war without U.S. support is unsustainable, yet territorial concessions would be political suicide. He is calling for a ceasefire in energy sectors and reconstruction funds. Russia has maintained a hardline stance, rejecting any NATO-like guarantees.
This turning point signals a move from dreams of "total victory" toward "pragmatic peace." The question remains: how much is Ukraine willing to sacrifice for security and reconstruction? The coming weeks will decide the war's future.
Sajjadali Nayani ✍
