Trump says Ukraine war deal closer after Berlin
Europe and US pledge strong, shared security for Ukraine
European leaders say they and the US stand united, pledging close cooperation to deliver strong, lasting security guarantees for Ukraine.
US President Donald Trump struck an optimistic tone this week, saying an agreement to end Russia’s war on Ukraine is “closer than ever” following high-level talks in Berlin. Yet behind the hopeful rhetoric, officials on all sides acknowledge that deep divisions remain, particularly over territory and long-term security arrangements.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Monday, Trump described his recent diplomatic efforts as extensive and encouraging. He said he had held “very long and very good talks” with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as well as with the leaders of France, Germany, the United Kingdom and NATO. According to Trump, European leaders are firmly aligned with Washington in their desire to see the conflict end.
“We’re having tremendous support from European leaders. He added that he has also had multiple conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Zelenskyy, while more cautious, offered a measured assessment of the talks. He said negotiations with US and European leaders were difficult but productive, reflecting both the urgency of ending the war and the complexity of the issues still on the table. For Ukraine, any agreement must balance the immediate need for peace with long-term guarantees of sovereignty and security.
The Berlin discussions unfolded over two days and brought together Zelenskyy, a US delegation led by envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, and senior European leaders. The meetings took place amid growing pressure from Washington for Kyiv to consider concessions to Moscow, as the conflict drags on and continues to exact a devastating toll. It remains one of Europe’s deadliest wars since World War II, reshaping regional security and global geopolitics.
Following the talks, European leaders issued a joint statement emphasizing unity with the United States.
According to the statement, the proposed force would have a broad mandate. Its role would include operating inside Ukraine, helping to rebuild and modernize Ukrainian armed forces, securing Ukrainian airspace, and supporting safer maritime conditions. European leaders also underscored that Ukraine’s military should remain at a peacetime strength of around 800,000 troops, signaling an effort to balance deterrence with stability.
Despite the hopeful language, diplomats caution that major hurdles remain. Territorial disputes, security guarantees, and the question of acceptable concessions continue to divide negotiators. While Trump’s comments suggest momentum, officials privately acknowledge that turning diplomatic optimism into a durable peace agreement will require further compromise, trust-building, and sustained international engagement.