US, European Leaders Offer Security Guarantees to Ukraine Amid Peace Talks

The United States and European leaders have agreed to provide security guarantees to Ukraine as part of ongoing peace negotiations aimed at ending the conflict with Russia. During a summit in Berlin on December 15, 2025, officials from the US, Ukraine, and Europe discussed a framework that includes a European-led multinational force, supported by the US, to assist in rebuilding Ukraine's military and securing its airspace and maritime zones.

US officials likened the security pledges to NATO’s Article 5 commitment of collective defense but emphasized that the plan requires US Senate approval and won't remain available indefinitely. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the talks as "substantial" but noted unresolved issues, particularly concerning territorial concessions.

In a related development, Ukraine claimed a significant naval achievement by striking a Russian missile-carrying submarine at the Novorossiysk naval base using domestically developed "Sub Sea Baby" underwater drones. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) released video footage showing a significant explosion near a docked submarine, which was independently verified. Ukrainian officials called this the first instance in history of an underwater drone neutralizing a submarine.

However, Russia's Black Sea Fleet denied any damage, stating all ships and submarines at the base remained operational. This strike coincides with tense peace negotiations, during which Ukraine is under pressure to make concessions.