US President Donald Trump expressed optimism on Monday regarding efforts to conclude the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, indicating that a potential peace deal is closer than ever before. His remarks came during discussions in Berlin involving key European leaders and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, aimed at advancing negotiations to resolve the war that erupted following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
“We’re closer now than we have been ever,” Trump remarked to reporters, describing his recent discussions as “very long and very good” with Zelensky and leaders from Britain, France, Germany, and NATO. European leaders proposed the establishment of a “multinational force” to uphold a future peace agreement, which would be part of a framework of “robust security guarantees” from the United States.
Zelensky acknowledged the challenges faced during talks with Trump’s representatives, noting that while progress was made regarding security guarantees, significant differences remain concerning territorial concessions that Ukraine may be required to make to Russia. “There has been sufficient dialogue on the territory, and frankly speaking, we still have different positions,” he stated.
In response to the discussions, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz highlighted the potential for a genuine peace process, crediting the United States for its substantial security guarantees. The joint statement from the European leaders emphasized continued military support for Ukraine, proposing a peacetime strength of 800,000 troops. It also indicated the establishment of a US-led mechanism for monitoring ceasefires to detect violations and provide early warnings against future assaults.
US officials underscored the necessity for Ukraine to accept the proposed deal, which would include security guarantees akin to NATO’s Article Five, ensuring collective defense among allies. One anonymous US official emphasized that these guarantees would only be available if an agreement is reached promptly and effectively.
Trump has previously dismissed the possibility of Ukraine formally joining NATO, suggesting that Kyiv’s aspirations were a contributing factor to Russia’s aggressive actions. Merz characterized the security guarantees from the US as remarkable and an essential step forward.
Despite the positive tone, Zelensky conveyed that the discussions have been “not easy,” yet productive. An official involved in the negotiations disclosed that the US negotiators continue to press Ukraine for control of the eastern Donbas region, comprising the Donetsk and Lugansk areas, both heavily impacted by Russian occupation.
The Kremlin echoed its desire to maintain core demands regarding territory and Ukraine’s NATO membership, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov indicating that Russia anticipates a detailed proposal from the US concerning the Berlin discussions. Without a clear consensus on territorial issues, the path to peace remains fraught with complexities and uncertainties.
