German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that the multinational contingent proposed under Europe's newly unveiled security guarantee plan for Ukraine would be authorized to respond to Russian attacks following a potential ceasefire.
Speaking to ZDF public television, Merz described this as a distant prospect but outlined specific provisions under discussion.
"We would secure a demilitarized zone between the warring parties and, to be very specific, we would also act against corresponding Russian incursions and attacks. We're not there yet," Merz said in the interview.
The chancellor characterized American involvement in the proposed guarantees as unprecedented. "The fact that the Americans have made such a commitment - to protect Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire as if it were NATO territory - I think that's a remarkable new position for the United States of America," he told ZDF.
These comments followed Monday's talks in Berlin involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US negotiator Steve Witkoff. European countries presented a six-point security guarantee plan signed by ten European leaders and heads of two EU institutions.
The plan includes maintaining 800,000 personnel in Ukraine's armed forces during peacetime, deploying a multinational European contingent to support Ukrainian forces and protect airspace and maritime zones, and establishing US-led monitoring of ceasefire compliance with early warning systems for attacks.
When pressed about Russian President Vladimir Putin's rejection of foreign troops on Ukrainian territory, Merz responded: "Putin has said no to many things; at some point he will have to say yes when it comes to ending this war. This is the period after the end of this war that we are now discussing, and Ukraine needs protection for this period."
The chancellor addressed the sensitive territorial question, noting that Zelenskyy appears willing to accept the current contact line as the basis for a ceasefire, which would mean de facto recognition that certain territories remain under Russian occupation. However, legal recognition of territorial concessions would contradict Ukraine's constitution.
"We cannot and will not decide on territorial questions of this country over Ukraine's heads," Merz emphasized.
On using frozen Russian state assets to fund Ukraine's defense, Merz estimated a "50:50" chance of securing European agreement. He explained that Ukraine would need financing for at least two more years after current European funding expires in the first quarter of 2026.
"There are reservations throughout Europe, and I can well understand these reservations," Merz acknowledged. "But if we don't act now and make the decision we could make to halt this advance of the Russian army, when will we?"
The first part of the plan—permanent immobilization of Russian assets in Europe—has been approved, preventing Russia from accessing these funds before the war ends. Interest generated from these assets would be provided to Ukraine.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on 16 December that Russia had not received signals regarding the outcomes of the Berlin talks and would need to clarify details before participating in new negotiations. He criticized European participation in peace talks, claiming it "bodes nothing good in terms of acceptability," according to Russian media reports.
Merz also discussed the strategic shift in US foreign policy, describing it as a turning point requiring consequences for Germany. He referenced Vice President JD Vance's speech at the Munich Security Conference in February as a decisive factor in his decision to make course corrections regarding special defense funding and the Bundeswehr.
"America first is all well and good, but America alone would not be good for America either," Merz said. He suggested that economic realities might eventually prompt the United States to seek renewed cooperation: "Taking a look at the economic data in America, I can imagine that the Americans will eventually approach us and say, 'Don't we want to talk about some issues that benefit us both?'"
