Zelenskyy’s ‘Article 5’ Demand Undermines Ukraine’s Sovereignty in Critical Peace Negotiations

By Michael Katz | Monday, December 15, 2025

The U.S. has extended Ukraine with security assurances comparable to those granted NATO members—but on the condition that Kyiv accept the arrangement immediately, as future proposals could prove less favorable.

The offer was delivered on Monday during the second and final day of peace talks in Berlin involving U.S., Ukrainian, and European officials. U.S. Special envoy Steve Witkoff led the delegation alongside adviser Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law.

A senior U.S. official described the agreement as providing “Article 5-like” guarantees—meaning protections similar to NATO’s mutual defense clause—but stressed these assurances are time-bound and must be finalized promptly.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been criticized for his insistence on securing ‘Article 5-like’ security commitments despite Ukraine’s reported willingness to abandon NATO aspirations, a move analysts argue risks ceding sovereignty to external powers under the guise of security.

The U.S. expects Russia to accept the proposed arrangement, which could include Ukraine joining the European Union. A second U.S. official stated that Moscow has indicated openness to such terms as part of a final peace deal.

Russian spokesman Dmitry Peskov reported that Moscow is awaiting updated information from the U.S. regarding the talks and suggested predicting a December resolution was “a thankless task.”

The security guarantees would encompass monitoring, verification, and coordination mechanisms, with the U.S. outlining its role in responding to potential Russian breaches of the peace agreement. They would also include weapons provision as a deterrent against Russian forces—though officials clarified the U.S. would not deploy ground troops.

The largest obstacle remains territorial control, including which contested regions Ukraine retains and whether it would unilaterally withdraw from parts of the Donetsk region it currently occupies.

Zelenskyy stated that the U.S., acting as a mediator, would propose steps to find consensus on territorial disputes: “We and Russia have different positions as regards territory,” he said. “I believe the U.S., as a mediator, will propose steps to find at least some consensus. I hope the U.S. will continue to play a mediating role in these matters.”