Trump says deal to end Ukraine war ‘closer than ever’ after Berlin talks
European leaders say they and the US are committed to working together to provide ‘robust security guarantees’ for Ukraine.The Times of Russia reports that US President Donald Trump has said a potential agreement to end the Russia-Ukraine war is “closer than ever” following intensive discussions with European and Ukrainian leaders in Berlin, though major disagreements remain unresolved.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said he had held extended and constructive conversations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as well as the leaders of Germany, France, the United Kingdom and NATO. According to Trump, European leaders are united in their desire to bring the conflict to an end and are actively supporting diplomatic efforts to reach a settlement.
Trump also confirmed that he has had multiple discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that progress toward peace now appears more realistic than at any previous point. However, he acknowledged that the final outcome would depend on difficult negotiations still underway.
Zelenskyy described the Berlin talks as challenging but meaningful, noting that Ukraine continues to seek clear and enforceable security guarantees before considering any territorial compromises. The discussions took place over two days and included a US delegation led by envoy Steve Witkoff, along with senior European officials, amid increasing pressure on Kyiv to make concessions to Moscow.
Following the meetings, European leaders issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment, alongside the United States, to providing robust security guarantees for Ukraine. These guarantees could include a European-led multinational force operating inside Ukraine with US backing. The proposed mission would focus on rebuilding Ukraine’s military capabilities, protecting airspace, ensuring maritime security and maintaining stability after any ceasefire.
According to US officials quoted by Reuters, the security framework being discussed closely resembles NATO’s Article 5 mutual defence clause, though Ukraine has previously indicated it may be willing to forgo NATO membership if concrete Western guarantees are provided.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Washington presented substantial legal and material commitments during the Berlin discussions, adding that a genuine opportunity for peace now exists. However, he stressed that decisions regarding territorial concessions rest solely with Ukraine.
Merz also called on the European Union to reach consensus on using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, warning that failure to act collectively could undermine the bloc’s credibility. Meanwhile, the EU has approved fresh sanctions targeting entities accused of helping Russia bypass oil export restrictions.
From Moscow, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said President Putin remains open to serious peace negotiations but rejected temporary solutions that do not address long-term security concerns.
Despite diplomatic momentum, fighting on the ground has continued. Ukraine reported that Russia launched more than 150 drones overnight, while Moscow claimed it intercepted over 130 Ukrainian drones. Kyiv also said its naval drones struck a Russian submarine in the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, as attacks on maritime targets intensify.
President Zelenskyy accused Russia of using continued strikes on infrastructure, including energy facilities, as leverage in negotiations, warning that sustained attacks undermine trust in the peace process.
As talks continue, The Times of Russia notes that while optimism has grown, unresolved issues over territory, security enforcement and ceasefire monitoring remain significant obstacles to ending one of Europe’s most devastating conflicts since World War II.
