European Leaders Set Conditions for Ukraine Territorial Concessions Amid Ongoing Conflict

European leaders have agreed on a set of security guarantees to be put in place before any potential Ukrainian territorial concessions to Russia can be considered. The guarantees, outlined after a meeting in Berlin, include a European-led multinational peacekeeping force, a 800,000-strong Ukrainian armed forces, and US support for ceasefire monitoring. The 10 European leaders, along with EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, emphasized that decisions on territorial concessions must await robust security measures. They also proposed a 'multinational force Ukraine' to bolster the country's defenses. According to a statement, the force would assist in regenerating Ukraine's military, securing its skies and seas, and supporting safer maritime operations within the country. A US-led ceasefire monitoring mechanism would provide early warnings of potential attacks and respond to breaches. Separately, US negotiators have told Ukraine that it must withdraw forces from the Donetsk region as part of any deal to end the conflict with Russia. The nearly four-year-old war has been the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War Two. European leaders have made it clear that any decisions on territorial concessions will be made after Ukraine's security is assured. The proposed security guarantees aim to create a stable environment for peace talks between the US and Ukrainian negotiators.