The protracted conflict between Ukraine and Russia may be nearing an end, with US President Donald Trump asserting that a peace agreement is “closer than ever.” This hopeful outlook emerged after significant diplomatic engagement in Berlin, featuring European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Speaking from Washington D.C., President Trump highlighted the solidarity of the United States with its European allies, listing Germany, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Poland, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and the Netherlands as key partners in these efforts.
“We are going to get it done. I think we are closer now, and they will tell you they are closer now with numerous conversations with President Putin of Russia. And I think we are closer now than we have ever been. We want to save a lot of lives,” Trump declared. He also touched upon the delicate nature of achieving consensus, explaining, “At this moment, Russia wants to get it, but the problem is they will want to end it, and all of a sudden they want it, and Ukraine will want to get it ended and all of a sudden they won’t. We have to get them on the same page.”
The recent high-level talks in Berlin were designed to chart a course towards de-escalation and resolution. Reports indicate that European countries have signaled their willingness to provide security guarantees to Ukraine, though the issue of control over occupied territories remains a substantial obstacle. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has previously indicated a potential willingness to set aside Ukraine’s NATO membership aspirations in exchange for concrete security commitments from Western nations. Despite these diplomatic overtures, fighting continues on the ground, underscoring the persistent volatility and the critical need for a breakthrough.