European leaders outlined a bold security framework on Monday to stabilize Ukraine, emphasizing that territorial decisions must follow the establishment of robust international safeguards. The proposal, backed by 10 European heads of state and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, calls for a European-led multinational force to support Kyiv's defense capabilities amid ongoing peace negotiations.
The plan includes maintaining Ukraine's armed forces at approximately 800,000 personnel and creating a U.S.-supported security coalition. This multinational force would assist in airspace protection, maritime security, and military modernization efforts, according to a joint statement released after talks in Berlin.
Key components of the security guarantees include:
A U.S.-led ceasefire monitoring system with rapid response mechanisms
Coordinated European military contributions under a unified command structure
Long-term commitments to Ukraine's territorial integrity
While U.S. negotiators separately urged Ukrainian forces to withdraw from the Donetsk region as part of potential peace terms, European leaders stressed that "decisions on territory are for the people of Ukraine" once security frameworks are operational. The proposals come as the conflict enters its fourth year, having claimed over 300,000 lives since 2021.
