Overview
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy signaled Ukraine could forgo joining NATO in return for credible, legally binding Western security guarantees, while rejecting calls to cede territory.
- U.S. officials described proposed Article 5-like assurances as a “platinum standard,” said they would require Senate approval, and stressed the offer would not remain open indefinitely.
- After two days of meetings in Berlin, U.S. negotiators said roughly 90% of issues were narrowed, President Trump phoned in and said a deal was closer than ever, and further talks in the U.S. were discussed.
- Territorial questions remain the core impasse, with Russia seeking full control of Donbas, reports that U.S. negotiators pressed for Ukrainian withdrawals, and Kyiv opposing concessions and floating a front-line freeze.
- European leaders convened in Berlin and prepared for an EU summit on using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine, as U.S. officials said Moscow may accept Ukraine joining the EU under a potential agreement.