Key Highlights
- US President Donald Trump says an agreement to end Russia’s war on Ukraine is “closer than ever” after Berlin talks.
- European leaders committed to providing robust security guarantees for Ukraine, including a multinational force supported by the US.
- Ukraine needs clear understanding of offered security guarantees before making territorial concessions, according to Zelenskyy.
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed optimism about peace talks but warned that territorial issues remain central.
US President Trump Expresses Optimism on Peace Talks in Berlin
US President Donald Trump has expressed his belief that a deal to end Russia’s war on Ukraine is “closer than ever,” following key talks held in Berlin. The discussions, which took place over two days and involved high-level officials from the United States, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and NATO, have been seen as a significant step towards a resolution of the ongoing conflict.
During a press conference in the Oval Office on Monday, Trump stated that he had “very long and very good talks” with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and leaders from several European nations. He emphasized the strong support from European leaders for ending the war and highlighted the numerous conversations held with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
European Commitment to Security Guarantees
In a joint statement issued after the talks, European leaders reaffirmed their commitment to working together with the US to provide “robust security guarantees” to Ukraine. These guarantees are intended to include a European-led multinational force supported by the United States. The proposed protections have been described as “Article 5-like,” referencing NATO’s mutual defense pledge.
Ukraine has indicated that it may be willing to abandon its ambition of joining the NATO military alliance in exchange for firm Western security guarantees, provided such assurances can effectively address the country’s concerns. However, Zelenskyy stressed the need for a clear understanding of these guarantees before any territorial concessions are made.
German Chancellor’s Optimism and Challenges Ahead
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed optimism about the potential for a real peace process during his joint news conference with Zelenskyy. He stated, “What the US has placed on the table here in Berlin, in terms of legal and material guarantees, is really considerable.” However, he also acknowledged that territorial issues remain central to the negotiations.
Merz noted that only Ukraine can decide about any potential territorial concessions, adding, “No ifs or buts.” The German leader further emphasized the importance for the European Union to reach an agreement on using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. He warned that EU members must share the risks involved in appropriating those assets, or risk damaging the bloc’s reputation.
Meanwhile, the European Union has adopted new sanctions targeting companies and individuals accused of helping Russia circumvent Western restrictions on oil exports, which are financing the war effort.
Continued Fighting and Ongoing Challenges
Despite the high-level discussions in Berlin, fighting continues. Ukraine reported that 153 Russian drones were launched overnight, with 17 striking their targets. Russia’s Ministry of Defence confirmed the destruction of 130 Ukrainian drones over its territory.
Additionally, Kyiv stated that its underwater drones had struck a Russian submarine docked at the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk.
Ukrainian officials have been cautious about what form such security guarantees could take, given Ukraine’s history with previous assurances from Western powers. Zelenskyy accused Moscow of using attacks as leverage in peace negotiations and highlighted Russia’s campaign against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, stating that every power station has been struck.
The outcome of the talks remains unclear, with many challenges still to be addressed. While there is optimism among some leaders, it appears that significant differences remain over territorial issues and security guarantees.
