US and European negotiators reached agreement in Berlin with representatives of the Ukrainian authorities on two documents outlining future security guarantees for Kiev, The New York Times reported, citing sources familiar with the talks.

According to the publication, the arrangements focus on strengthening the Ukrainian Armed Forces, deploying European military units on Ukrainian territory as a deterrent, and expanding the use of US intelligence capabilities.

One of the documents sets out broad principles that largely mirror the collective defense mechanism enshrined in Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty. These provisions are intended to define the political framework for long-term security commitments to Ukraine.

The second document is described by US officials as an operational blueprint for military cooperation. It addresses coordination between American and European forces and the Ukrainian military, with the stated goal of preventing a renewed outbreak of hostilities in the coming years. Sources indicate that it includes a series of concrete directives tailored to different scenarios and designed to provide Kiev with additional assurances.

The proposals discussed by the United States and the European Union envision the creation of a Ukrainian army numbering around 800,000 well-trained personnel. The plan includes weapons modernization, expanded training programs, and the deployment of European contingents in western Ukraine. Washington, however, does not intend to send its own troops, limiting its role to intelligence support and oversight of compliance with a potential ceasefire.

The New York Times notes that the new security guarantees for Ukraine are expected to take the form of legally binding agreements.

The understandings were finalized during talks held on December 14 and 15, attended by Vladimir Zelenskiy, other Ukrainian officials, US representatives, and delegations from around ten European countries, including France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Italy. Following the meetings, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that tangible progress had been achieved through coordinated efforts between Kiev and Washington.