US President Donald Trump stated on Monday that a peace agreement to end the war between Russia and Ukraine is "closer now than we have been ever," following intensive negotiations held in Berlin between US, Ukrainian, and key European leaders.
The optimistic assessment from the White House comes as high-stakes talks, hosted by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, sought to bridge the remaining gaps between Kyiv and Moscow, primarily focusing on security guarantees and territorial control.
Progress and Article 5-like Guarantees
President Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that he had "very long and very good talks" with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the leaders of Germany, France, the UK, Poland, and NATO. US officials subsequently briefed the media, claiming that approximately 90% of the issues between the sides had been resolved.
A major development from the Berlin summit is the new proposal of "Article Five-like" security guarantees for Ukraine, a reference to the collective defense pledge of NATO members. Key details include:
US-Backed Deterrence: The guarantees are described as "robust" and "very, very strong," designed to prevent any future Russian aggression.
Congressional Ratification: President Trump is reportedly willing to submit these security guarantees to the US Senate for ratification, a move that would provide them with a substantial, legally binding weight.
European Force: European leaders proposed a multinational force, backed by the US, to enforce a potential peace accord and help secure Ukraine’s skies and seas.
Territorial Disputes Remain a Key Hurdle
Despite the optimism surrounding the security framework, officials acknowledged that major obstacles remain over the issue of territory, particularly the fate of the eastern Donbas region.
US envoys are reportedly pushing for Ukraine to cede control of areas in the Donbas that Russia has not yet conquered.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, while welcoming the new security guarantees, has stressed that differences remain over territorial issues and has historically ruled out surrendering land, stating that any such concession would need to be approved via a national referendum.
The Kremlin, which was not directly involved in the Berlin talks but is expecting an update from Washington, has consistently demanded that Ukraine renounce its NATO aspirations and formally concede control of the disputed regions.
President Trump, who had previously promised to end the conflict quickly, has reportedly spoken recently with Russian President Vladimir Putin and believes that "at this moment, Russia wants to get it ended."
The negotiators are expected to continue their discussions this weekend, with a potential follow-up meeting scheduled in Miami, Florida. The current intense diplomatic push reflects a strong desire from the Trump administration to secure a peace deal by the end of the year.
