BERLIN: US President Donald Trump said on Monday that a deal on a ceasefire in Ukraine was closer than ever, following high-level talks in Berlin. The discussions come amid people of Ukraine to US pressure to make territorial concessions to Russia.
Read More: Zelensky holds urgent talks with US envoys on Ukraine war
Washington has offered Nato-style security guarantees to Kyiv as part of a potential ceasefire framework. Britain, France, and Germany have also proposed deploying a European force to monitor any ceasefire agreement.
Talks between President Zelenskyy, U.S., NATO, and European leaders have begun in Berlin, hailed by officials as the “most successful stage” yet toward a Ukraine-Russia peace deal. pic.twitter.com/nKUnhmwh9x
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US envoys conveyed the unprecedented security guarantee during meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Berlin. However, they cautioned that the offer would not remain open indefinitely if progress stalled.
European and American negotiators reported progress on several fronts, but disagreements over territory remain unresolved. Moscow has not yet signalled any willingness to accept the proposals discussed in Germany.
🚨 BREAKING: MEETING BETWEEN ZELENSKYY, US, NATO AND EUROPEAN LEADERS BEGINS IN BERLIN
Talks in Berlin are already being described by many as the “most successful stage” so far on the path toward a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia. pic.twitter.com/6NAi0kXveY
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US officials are also urging Ukraine to withdraw forces from the mineral-rich Donbas region, a move that would represent a major concession. Such a step could provoke strong domestic backlash within Ukraine.
President Zelensky described territorial concessions as “painful” and acknowledged that differences persist. He said Ukraine required firm security guarantees, including ceasefire monitoring, before considering any changes to front lines.
Peace talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine are underway Monday in Berlin, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signaling a potential shift on one of Kyiv’s long-held red lines. Zelenskyy says Ukraine could pause its push to join NATO in exchange for binding security guarantees… pic.twitter.com/shi3PBnRnN
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Zelensky rejected the notion that the US had issued demands, framing territorial discussions as reflecting Russia’s position. He expressed confidence that American mediators could help bridge gaps between the parties.
US officials said agreement had been reached on around 90 per cent of the issues under discussion. They claimed multiple proposals were being explored to resolve remaining disputes over territory.
Ukraine has consistently stated it will not cede land seized by Russia since the 2022 invasion, which now accounts for nearly 20 per cent of its territory. European sources said Russia has so far refused to soften its demands.
Read More: Zelenskiy drops NATO ambition as Berlin peace talks begin
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the talks marked the first credible chance of a ceasefire since the war began. US officials added that security guarantees similar to Nato’s Article 5 were central to the negotiations.