The United States is prepared to offer Ukraine security guarantees modeled on NATO's Article 5 as part of a potential peace agreement, Axios reports, citing sources.

According to the outlet, these issues are scheduled for discussion in Berlin on Monday, December 15, during a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and advisers to US President Donald Trump, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, as well as leaders from key European nations.

One Axios source stated: "We want to give the Ukrainians a security guarantee that, on one hand, won't be a blank check, but on the other, will be strong enough. We are prepared to send it to Congress for a vote." The American official indicated that three separate agreements are planned: one on peace, one on security guarantees, and one on reconstruction. He also said that the latest negotiations have, for the first time, given the Ukrainians a "full vision of the day after."

Axios writes that a White House representative pointed out that during public appearances on December 11, Zelensky proposed a referendum on a peace deal involving territorial concessions, which the US called "progress." The article notes, however, that organizing such a vote under current conditions will be difficult, but, according to an American official, the Europeans have signaled that if Zelensky proposes a territorial referendum, they will support it.

Separately, Axios reports that during an online meeting on Friday, December 12, Witkoff and Kushner discussed a plan for establishing a demilitarized zone with national security advisers from Ukraine, Germany, France, and the UK. The White House stated that these consultations and the latest round of US-Ukraine talks on Thursday showed sufficient progress to convince Trump to send Witkoff and Kushner to Europe.

A second White House representative said: "They believe there is a chance for peace, and the president trusts them." According to the American official, negotiations regarding the post-war economic and reconstruction package are also progressing well. He added: "Under the current proposal, the war would end with Ukraine retaining sovereignty over 80% of its territory, receiving the biggest and most durable security guarantees it has ever had, as well as a very significant package of measures to ensure prosperity."

At the same time, according to Axios's information, several European leaders advised Zelensky not to rush into an agreement, especially if it forces him to concede territory that Ukraine has not actually lost on the battlefield. The article also notes that it is currently unclear whether Russia will be prepared to accept the US proposals. Zelensky stated on Thursday that the American side wants to reach "full mutual understanding" on the plan before Christmas.

Article 5 of NATO is the alliance’s collective defense clause.

An armed attack against one NATO member is considered an attack against all. If this happens, each member agrees to help the attacked country — including, if necessary, the use of armed force — to restore and maintain security.

Key points:

  • It applies only to armed attacks on NATO members.

  • Assistance is not automatic; each country decides how to help (military, political, logistical, etc.).

  • It has been formally invoked only once — after the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States.

In short: Article 5 is the core guarantee that binds NATO together — deterrence through collective defense.