Ukraine-Russia war latest: Trump claims peace deal ‘closer than ever’ after long call with Zelensky
Donald Trump has said “we’re closer now than we have been ever” to a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine following talks between European leaders and US officials – but key differences remain on the issue of territory.
The US president told reporters on Monday that he had held a “long talk” with president Volodymyr Zelensky and Ukraine’s European allies over the status of peace talks taking place in Berlin.
“We’ll see what we can do. We want to save a lot of lives,” Trump said. He added that he had spoken directly to Russia’s president Vladimir Putin recently, who he claimed “wants to see it end”.
It follows news that the US president believes he can get Putin to accept a Nato-like article five security guarantee for Ukraine following almost three days of negotiations with the Kyiv delegation.
European leaders said the US had shown support for the creation of a Europe-led “multinational force” inside Ukraine as part of “robust security guarantees”.
The force’s work would include “operating inside Ukraine” as well as assisting in rebuilding Ukraine’s forces, securing its skies and supporting safer seas.
