President Donald Trump told reporters Monday in the Oval Office that an end to the Ukraine war stands nearer than at any point before. “I think we’re closer now than we have been, ever, and we’ll see what we can do,” he said, reflecting on recent developments.
Berlin talks advance 90% of issues
The optimism follows two days of Berlin discussions between European, Ukrainian, and US officials, with Trump’s team represented by foreign envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner. Trump phoned into a European leaders’ dinner Monday, spoke twice with his envoys during talks, held a “long talk” with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and contacted Russian President Vladimir Putin.
US officials noted roughly 90% of Russia-Ukraine issues resolved, with territory as the main sticking point. Washington floated “thought-provoking” solutions like an economic free zone. Detailed “Article 5”- like security guarantees took shape – providing deterrence against Russian aggression, deconfliction tools, peace monitoring, and spelled-out consequences for violations. No US ground troops involved; described as Kyiv’s “most robust” package ever. Zelensky accepted these over full NATO membership.
Strong guarantees, but limited time
Trump acknowledged past optimism dashed by one side reneging: “They’ll want to end it, then suddenly won’t, Ukraine too. We must align them.” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called US material/legal guarantees “really significant.” Trump prepared to pitch the “platinum standard” package to Congress; Russia showed openness to Ukraine’s EU entry.
Yet officials cautioned: “Those guarantees won’t stay on the table forever, they’re available right now.” Europeans thanked Trump’s initiative. Talks also covered Black Rock-Ukraine reconstruction plans and the unresolved Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.
Witkoff and Kushner stand ready for Moscow travel. Final sovereignty/territory details fall to Kyiv and Moscow, with US facilitating Russia/Europe dialogue.
Source: CNN
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