Former US President Donald Trump has asserted that a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine is “closer than ever” following extensive discussions with both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump indicated that significant progress has been made, stating his belief that “we’re closer now than we have been ever.” These remarks follow a period of intense diplomatic engagement aimed at de-escalating the ongoing conflict.

Sources close to the negotiations revealed that Trump’s envoys presented Ukraine with an offer of NATO-style security guarantees during talks in Berlin with President Zelensky. While these assurances represent a potential breakthrough, US officials cautioned that such an offer would not remain available indefinitely. The discussions focused on security guarantees, deconfliction, and oversight mechanisms for any potential agreement.

European leaders, meeting in Berlin, have also committed to collaborating with the United States to provide “robust security guarantees” for Ukraine. This commitment includes the establishment of a European-led “multinational force” that would operate within Ukraine, assist in rebuilding its military, and enhance its air and maritime security. The proposed force would support Ukrainian forces at a peacetime strength of 800,000 personnel.

President Zelensky has previously indicated Ukraine’s willingness to forgo NATO membership in exchange for tangible security guarantees from Europe and the United States. This shift in stance comes after previous security assurances provided to Ukraine in 1994, which were followed by Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian territory in 2014. Zelensky is seeking Article 5-style guarantees, mirroring NATO’s collective defense clause, without formal NATO membership.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin has downplayed the possibility of a Christmas deadline for peace talks, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov describing any attempt to predict a timeline as a “thankless task.” Peskov stated that President Putin remains open to “serious peace and serious decisions” but is not amenable to “tricks aimed at stalling for time.” Russia has consistently maintained its opposition to Ukraine’s NATO aspirations, viewing it as a significant security threat.

In related developments, Turkey’s defense ministry announced the downing of an uncontrolled drone approaching its airspace over the Black Sea. This incident occurred shortly after Turkey issued warnings about potential escalation in the region following Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports that damaged Turkish-owned cargo vessels. The ministry stated that Turkish and NATO F-16 jets were placed on alert to safeguard Turkish airspace.

Separately, Russia’s air defense units reportedly destroyed a drone flying towards Moscow, according to an announcement by Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. Emergency services were dispatched to the location where debris from the drone fell. These events underscore the volatile security situation in and around the Black Sea region.

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Keywords: Trump Zelensky peace deal, Ukraine Russia war, NATO security guarantees, Black Sea drone incident, Russian peace talks, European multinational force, Ukraine security assurances, Russia drone Moscow