‘We’re closer than ever’: Donald Trump offers Ukraine security guarantees as peace talks with Russia continue

What the US is offering

US officials said Washington is willing to provide Ukraine with security guarantees similar to NATO’s Article 5 the alliance’s collective defence clause that treats an attack on one member as an attack on all.

The guarantees have not been fully detailed, but US officials said they would include a European-led multinational force, backed by the United States, operating inside Ukraine. The force would help rebuild Ukraine’s military, protect its airspace and support maritime security.

Ukrainian forces would remain at a peacetime strength of about 800,000 troops, officials said.

US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner led the talks, alongside NATO’s top military commander in Europe, US Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich. Ukrainian officials were presented with a written document outlining the proposed guarantees, after earlier complaining that previous plans lacked clarity.

‘We’re closer than ever’

US President Donald Trump, who joined a dinner with negotiators and European leaders by phone, said progress had been made.

“I think we’re closer now than we have been, ever,” Trump told reporters at a White House event. He said European leaders were strongly backing the talks and wanted the war to end.

US officials warned, however, that the offer of security guarantees would not remain open indefinitely. They also said the administration plans to submit any agreement to the US Senate, though it is unclear whether full treaty approval would be required.

Territory remains the biggest obstacle

Despite movement on security guarantees, the future of occupied Ukrainian territory remains the most difficult issue.

US officials have been pressing Ukraine to consider withdrawing forces from parts of the eastern Donetsk region, a proposal Zelenskyy has described as “painful”.

“Frankly speaking, we still have different positions,” Zelenskyy said after the talks. He added that Ukraine needed legally binding guarantees, backed by the US Congress, before making any decisions about territory.

Ukraine has repeatedly said it will not formally cede land to Russia, which currently occupies nearly 20% of Ukrainian territory.

NATO bid could be dropped

Zelenskyy said Ukraine could drop its long-standing bid to join NATO if it receives strong security guarantees similar to those enjoyed by alliance members. However, Kyiv still sees NATO membership as the most reliable long-term protection against future Russian attacks.

Russia has demanded that Ukraine abandon its NATO ambitions and withdraw from parts of eastern Ukraine still under Kyiv’s control. The Kremlin has also insisted that NATO expansion poses a threat to Russia’s security.

US officials said Russia has signalled it would accept Ukraine joining the European Union, something Moscow had previously opposed.

Europe cautiously optimistic

European leaders welcomed what they described as a shift in the US position.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the discussions “a truly far-reaching, substantial agreement that we did not have before”.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said it was the first time he had heard US negotiators speak so clearly about military-backed guarantees for Ukraine.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said the guarantees had become “clearer and more credible”, but warned that “many difficult questions remain, not least about territories and whether Russia wants peace at all”.

Fighting continues despite talks

Despite diplomatic efforts, the war continues on the ground. Ukraine’s Air Force said Russia launched 153 drones overnight, with 133 intercepted. Russia’s Defence Ministry said it shot down more than 140 Ukrainian drones, including several over Moscow, forcing temporary airport closures.

Working groups are expected to meet again in the United States this weekend, possibly in Miami, as negotiators try to bridge the remaining gaps.

With inputs from Associated Press and Reuters