Peace plan: details of security guarantees from Europe have emerged
16 December 2025 00:50
European leaders have unveiled a joint peace plan for Ukraine, which includes strong security guarantees, protection of airspace, the establishment of an international military mission, and full support for Ukraine’s accession to the European Union. The statement was issued following consultations between European countries, Ukraine, and the United States.
The leaders expressed their support for the significant progress in U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. They welcomed the close cooperation between the teams of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump and European delegations.
The joint statement was signed by:
- german Chancellor Friedrich Merz
- prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen;
- president of Finland Alexander Stubb;
- president of France Emmanuel Macron;
- president of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda;
- prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni;
- prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre;
- prime Minister of the Netherlands Dick Schof;
- prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk;
- prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson;
- prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer;
- president of the European Council Antonio Costa;
- president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.
Coordination with the United States and Ukraine
The document emphasizes the significant progress in US President Donald Trump’s peace initiatives, as well as the close cooperation between the teams of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the US administration, and European partners.
The European leaders reaffirmed their intention to work together with the United States and Ukraine to achieve a lasting peace that guarantees Ukraine’s sovereignty and Europe’s security.
“Leaders agreed that ensuring Ukraine’s security, sovereignty and prosperity is integral to broader Euro-Atlantic security. They made clear that Ukraine and its people deserve a prosperous, independent and sovereign future, free from fear of possible future Russian aggression,” the statement said.
Key elements of the peace plan
The United States and European leaders pledged to work together to provide Ukraine with robust security guarantees and support for economic recovery as part of an agreement to end the war. This includes the following commitments
- providing long-term and substantial support to Ukraine to develop its Armed Forces, which should reach a peacetime strength of about 800,000 troops to deter aggression and defend the country’s territory
- creation of a European multinational mission “Ukrainian Forces” formed by the countries of the Coalition of the Willing with the support of the United States, which will help restore Ukrainian forces, protect airspace and secure sea routes, in particular by operating directly on the territory of Ukraine;
- a mechanism for monitoring and verification of the ceasefire regime under the leadership of the United States with international participation, which will provide early warning of possible attacks, recording of violations and de-escalation actions;
- legally binding guarantees (taking into account national procedures) to restore peace and security in the event of a new armed attack, including the possibility of using armed force, providing intelligence, logistical, economic and diplomatic assistance;
- investment in the future well-being of Ukraine, including large-scale resources for recovery and reconstruction, mutually beneficial trade agreements, and consideration of the need for compensation for losses by Russia. In this context, Russian sovereign assets in the EU remain frozen;
- strong support for Ukraine’s accession to the European Union.
Territorial issues and NATO’s role
Leaders reaffirmed their support for President Zelenskyy and agreed to support any decisions he makes on internal Ukrainian issues.
They emphasized that international borders cannot be changed by force, and that decisions on territories belong exclusively to the people of Ukraine, once robust security guarantees are in place.
They also emphasized that nothing is agreed upon in any agreement until everything is agreed upon. The agreement should guarantee the long-term security of Europe, the unity of the Euro-Atlantic area and the key role of NATO.
Expectations from Russia
The leaders said that it is now up to Russia to demonstrate its readiness for peace by agreeing to President Trump’s peace plan and ceasefire. They agreed to continue to increase pressure on Moscow to start real negotiations.
The statement remains open for other states to join.
