Ukraine Advances Peace, Seeks Security

In a significant development from Berlin on December 15, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, alongside German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, conveyed a robust commitment to peace during a joint press conference. President Zelenskyy expressed gratitude towards Germany for reigniting the peace process and highlighted the constructive discussions aimed at establishing a “dignified and secure” peace agreement.

President Zelenskyy underscored the responsiveness of global partners in the ongoing negotiations, emphasizing the critical need for clear and effective security guarantees primarily for the Ukrainian populace. “Security guarantees must work and must be clear first and foremost to the people of Ukraine,” he declared. He noted the participation of a U.S. delegation in the talks, which spanned December 14-15, pointing out the continuous and earnest efforts by the Ukrainian delegation to forge a conclusive agreement.

Chancellor Merz stressed the urgency of a ceasefire that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty, backed by substantial support from the United States and Europe. He highlighted the broader implications of the ceasefire in maintaining the unity of the European Union and NATO, and in supporting Ukraine’s European aspirations. Additionally, Merz mentioned ongoing strategies to leverage frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine and reiterated the necessity of continuous pressure on Russia to end the war.