US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that efforts to end the war in Ukraine are closer than ever to a breakthrough, following fresh discussions in which Washington offered Kyiv strong security guarantees similar to those provided by NATO.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump described his recent engagements as “very long and very good,” confirming talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, NATO leaders, and key European heads of state from Britain, France, and Germany. These discussions followed high-level meetings in Berlin between US, Ukrainian, and European officials aimed at shaping a possible framework for peace.
“We’re trying to get it done, and I think we’re closer now,” Trump said, expressing optimism about the progress made in recent days.
Trump also revealed that he has held multiple conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, adding that the situation feels closer to resolution than at any previous point since the conflict began. While he confirmed direct contact with Putin, he declined to provide details of those exchanges.
However, Trump’s remarks suggested that any deal may come with difficult compromises for Ukraine. He appeared to indicate that Kyiv might be expected to relinquish remaining territory it controls in the eastern Donbas region—an idea President Zelensky has repeatedly rejected.
When asked what incentive Ukraine would have to give up land, Trump responded bluntly, saying the territory had already been lost “to be honest.”
According to Trump, Europe would play a central role in providing security assurances, even as Russia continues to oppose proposals for a multinational peacekeeping force. The war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, has left large areas of eastern Ukraine under Russian control.
So far, Moscow has not officially responded to the proposals discussed in Berlin.
‘Article Five–Like’ Guarantees
Ahead of Trump’s public comments, US officials described the Berlin talks—led by Steve Witkoff, a close Trump associate, and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law—as constructive. Officials emphasized, however, that Ukraine would need to accept the terms of any agreement.
One US official said the proposed guarantees would mirror NATO’s Article Five principle, which treats an attack on one member as an attack on all. The official noted that the strength of Ukraine’s own military would also serve as a key deterrent.
“These guarantees will not be on the table forever,” the official cautioned, suggesting time pressure on Kyiv’s decision-making.
Trump has previously ruled out Ukraine’s formal membership in NATO and has echoed Russia’s position that Kyiv’s NATO ambitions contributed to the conflict. Still, another US official said there was confidence that Moscow could accept the deal, describing the proposed security measures as “very, very strong.”
The official added that any violations of the agreement would be met with decisive responses under the security framework.
While no agreement has been reached on territorial boundaries, US officials confirmed discussions with Zelensky about creating an “economic free zone” in contested areas—an idea aimed at easing tensions while broader political issues remain unresolved.
A Human Reality Behind the Diplomacy
Beyond the statements, negotiations, and geopolitical calculations lies a far deeper reality. Every discussion in Berlin or Washington carries the weight of millions of lives disrupted by war—families separated, cities damaged, futures placed on hold. As world leaders debate borders and guarantees, ordinary Ukrainians continue to live with uncertainty, while hopes for peace remain fragile but persistent. Whether this moment becomes a turning point or another missed opportunity will depend not only on political will, but on the courage to place lasting stability above short-term gains.
