Trump on Ukraine talks: resolution “closer than ever” | EUROtoday

As of: December 16, 2025 5:16 a.m

US President Trump mentioned he was glad with how the negotiations in Berlin went. He had “very good discussions” with the Europeans and Zelensky. The largest level of rivalry continues to be Ukraine’s territorial concessions.

After talks with Europeans and Ukraine, US President Donald Trump sees progress in negotiations a couple of attainable means out of the Russian battle of aggression. “I think we are closer now than ever before,” mentioned the Republican in Washington. He had “very long and very good discussions” with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) and different European politicians. “It seems to be going well.”

At the identical time, the US President certified: “We’ve been saying that for a long time, and it’s a difficult matter.” He identified that he had already spoken to Russia a number of instances about resolving the battle.

Trump praised the Europeans for his or her “tremendous support” in efforts to succeed in a ceasefire. For this to occur, Russia and Ukraine must “get on the same page,” he continued. According to his personal statements, the Republican had telephoned the heads of state and authorities of Germany, Italy, Finland, France, Great Britain, Poland, Norway, Denmark and the Netherlands in addition to the NATO management.

Progress on the problem of Security ensures

In Berlin, Ukrainians and Americans had been discussing a 20-point peace plan for the nation attacked by Russia nearly 4 years in the past since Sunday. US officers mentioned they agreed on 90 p.c of the problems.

Ukraine had beforehand signaled its willingness to forego NATO membership in return for Western safety ensures. According to President Zelensky, the US facet signaled that it is able to present safety ensures that adjust to Article 5 of the NATO Charter.

The largest level of rivalry is Ukraine’s territorial concessions. The Reuters information company reported, citing an insider, that the US was urging Kiev to withdraw its troops from the japanese Donetsk area. Zelensky referred to as the query painful and reiterated that Ukraine wouldn’t acknowledge Donbass as Russian, both legally or de facto. If Russian President Vladimir Putin rejects the proposals, the US can be requested for additional sanctions and weapons.

Cautious optimism amongst Europeans

European leaders expressed cautious optimism after the talks. “For the first time since the beginning of the war, the possibility of a ceasefire is conceivable,” mentioned Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Platform X.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk mentioned it was the primary time he had heard from US negotiators that the US would reply militarily within the occasion of one other Russian assault. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson referred to as the ensures clearer and extra credible, however warned: “Many difficult questions remain, especially on the territorial issues and whether Russia even wants peace.”