Europe Backs Ukraine Security Guarantees With European-Led Force

European leaders said on Monday that any future peace agreement to end the Russia-Ukraine war must be underpinned by strong security guarantees for Ukraine, including a European-led multinational force, according to a joint statement issued after a summit in Berlin.

The leaders said decisions on potential Ukrainian territorial concessions could only be taken once credible guarantees were in place, stressing that such decisions would rest solely with Ukraine.

The statement was released following talks involving leaders from several European countries and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Outlining the proposed framework, the leaders said Ukraine should be able to maintain an armed force of around 800,000 troops to deter future aggression.

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They said a multinational European force, supported by the United States, would play a role in rebuilding Ukraine’s military capabilities, securing its airspace and protecting maritime routes.

The force would operate inside Ukraine and contribute to maintaining stability following any ceasefire, the statement said.

In addition, the leaders said the security package should include a U.S.-led ceasefire monitoring mechanism designed to provide early warning of violations and help prevent renewed hostilities. They said such measures were necessary to ensure the durability of any agreement with Russia.

“Decisions on territory are for the people of Ukraine, once robust security guarantees are effectively in place,” the statement said.

The summit took place as U.S. and Ukrainian officials held parallel discussions aimed at establishing a framework for ending the conflict, now approaching its fourth year. Diplomats have said negotiations remain complex, with significant gaps between the positions of Kyiv and Moscow.

Separately, U.S. negotiators told Ukrainian officials that any deal to end the war would likely require a withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from parts of the Donetsk region, according to a person familiar with the matter.

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The Berlin discussions underline growing efforts by European leaders to take a larger role in shaping post-war security arrangements for Ukraine, alongside continued U.S. involvement.