Washington, Dec 15 (NationPress) The US announced on Monday that the peace negotiations in Berlin aimed at resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict have achieved notable advancement, with a robust security framework taking center stage, featuring Article Five-like security guarantees as a key component of a potential resolution.

Over the course of two days in Berlin, extensive discussions took place with the Ukrainian delegation, which included President Volodymyr Zelensky, alongside high-ranking European officials such as National Security Advisers, Foreign Ministers, and occasionally Heads of State, as reported by a senior US administration official.

“We dedicated the last two and a half days engaging with the Ukrainian representatives, including President Zelensky,” stated the senior US official, who added that the US delegation spent “eight hours” directly with the President.

The anonymous official characterized the discussions as “extremely positive in nearly every aspect.”

There was a shared understanding on several issues deemed essential for reaching a peace agreement, noting that “every aspect of the 20-point plan was met with very constructive dialogue.”

Working groups were assigned to refine proposals, incorporating previously discussed elements with Russia, and European partners played a vital role throughout.

The security guarantees were emphasized as the fundamental aspect of the negotiations.

The senior US official pointed out that draft documents had progressed swiftly over the last 10 days via a collaborative group involving the US, NATO, and Ukraine, and that the text is currently “in excellent condition.”

“The foundation of that agreement is essentially to offer exceptionally strong guarantees, akin to Article Five,” the official remarked, referencing NATO’s collective defense clause.

This package also encompasses “very strong deterrence,” “effective deconfliction,” and “intensive monitoring,” with safeguards designed to minimize the likelihood of activation.

According to the official, European counterparts expressed “significant appreciation” for President Donald Trump’s readiness to extend such guarantees.

However, the official warned that “these guarantees will not be available indefinitely,” emphasizing that they are accessible “at this moment if a favorable conclusion is reached.”

When asked if Congressional approval would be necessary for the guarantees, the senior official confirmed, “It would need to go before the US Senate, and President Trump is open to that.”

The official noted that Ukrainians and Europeans were taken aback by both the breadth of the offer and Washington's belief that Russia might be amenable to it.

Describing the package as unprecedented, the official stated it is “the most comprehensive set of security protocols they have ever encountered,” integrating oversight, verification, and deconfliction measures.

“Anything we deemed necessary to ensure the safety of the Ukrainian populace is encompassed in this package,” the official conveyed.

On the economic side, the senior US official indicated discussions also focused on a “prosperity package” to bolster Ukraine’s long-term sustainability.

This involves collaboration with BlackRock CEO Larry Fink’s team, working pro bono alongside World Bank President Ajay Banga, to tackle Ukraine’s financial challenges, rebuilding requirements, and post-war recovery.

The official stated Ukraine faces substantial responsibilities, including compensating war-affected individuals, supporting families of fallen soldiers, maintaining military strength, and reconstructing damaged infrastructure.

European partners, the official added, regard Ukraine as “vital to their security” and have signaled robust financial support to ensure it becomes “financially viable and resilient.”

The discussions also touched on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, with the senior US official stating both factions aim for it to be repaired and operational.

The official indicated that discussions were nearing agreement on “a 50-50 division of the power,” which was viewed as “a favorable outcome.”

Territorial matters remained delicate yet showed signs of progress.

The official noted that discussions explored options such as an economic free zone while recognizing that final decisions on sovereignty would ultimately lie with Ukraine and Russia.

“We’ve narrowed the options,” the official added, noting that a working group generated a draft in which “90 percent of the issues” exhibited consensus.

Looking forward, the senior US official stated that further discussions would take place, including a dinner with leaders and potential follow-up meetings in the US.

“Are we prepared to engage with Russia if necessary? Absolutely,” the official affirmed, adding that the objective is to facilitate “a lasting and durable peace.”

Russia initiated a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, sparking Europe’s largest conflict since World War II and triggering extensive Western sanctions against Moscow, alongside substantial military and financial aid for Kyiv.

Article 5 represents NATO’s collective defense clause, under which an attack on one member is regarded as an attack on all—an objective Ukraine has long pursued as part of its quest for stronger Euro-Atlantic security connections, even as Moscow has opposed NATO expansion.