European leaders endorse Trump-led Ukraine peace framework

Top European leaders have publicly backed advancing peace efforts for Ukraine led by US President Donald Trump, citing "significant progress" in recent diplomacy. In a joint statement released from Berlin on Monday, they expressed support for a framework aimed at securing a lasting peace that preserves Ukrainian sovereignty and European security.

Outline of Proposed Security Guarantees

The statement, endorsed by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, detailed potential components of an agreement. These include robust, long-term security guarantees from the US and Europe, sustained support to maintain a Ukrainian military of 800,000 personnel, and the creation of a European-led multinational force for Ukraine. A US-led ceasefire monitoring mechanism with international participation was also proposed, alongside a binding commitment to respond to any future armed attack on Ukraine.

Political Convergence and Conditions

The leaders noted "strong convergence" between the United States, Ukraine, and Europe after close coordination in recent weeks. They affirmed that decisions on territory belong solely to the Ukrainian people and reiterated strong support for Ukraine's accession to the European Union. The statement stressed, "nothing is agreed until everything is agreed," and placed the onus on Russia to demonstrate willingness to engage with the proposed peace plan and agree to a ceasefire. The statement also highlighted the immobilization of Russian sovereign assets within the EU, which could fund Ukraine's recovery.

Context of High-Stakes Diplomacy

The endorsement follows high-level consultations in Berlin that began on Sunday, involving US, Ukrainian, and European representatives. This development signals a coordinated transatlantic attempt to crystallize a diplomatic path to end the conflict. The European Union is scheduled to hold a summit later this week to decide on potentially using frozen Russian state assets to aid Ukraine, a move directly connected to the economic support measures mentioned in the peace framework.