Donald Trump said the United States had strong backing from European leaders after a telephone meeting in Berlin, noting that a ceasefire appears possible and EU‑led forces are being discussed to enforce peace in Ukraine.
Trump Confirms European Support
Trump reported a long telephone conversation with President Zelensky and leaders from Germany, Italy, NATO, Finland, France, the UK, Poland, Norway, Denmark and the Netherlands. He stated that European leaders expressed substantial backing for U.S. efforts to resolve the conflict and that they wish to end the war.
He highlighted ongoing work on security guarantees for Ukraine and said he had had “good conversations” with Russia and directly with President Vladimir Putin. Trump added that he believes the parties want a return to normal life.
EU‑Led Multinational Forces Proposed
The European leaders suggested forming multinational forces under EU command, with U.S. support, to enforce a peace agreement in Ukraine. The proposal was unveiled in a joint statement released Monday in Berlin.
Ukrainian forces are to continue receiving broad support and maintain a strength of 800,000 soldiers during peace. Any decisions on territorial concessions must be made solely by Ukrainians.
Ceasefire Feasible with US‑Led Monitoring
Officials said a ceasefire, for the first time since the war began, is possible. A U.S.-led mechanism for monitoring and verifying the ceasefire would identify violations and provide early warning of future attacks.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz wrote on social media that the goal is to “jointly move toward peace— with Ukrainians, our European neighbors and the USA.”
Signatories of the Joint Declaration
Deputy Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Chancellor Friedrich Merz, President Alexander Stubb of Finland, President Emmanuel Macron of France, EU Council President Antonio Costa, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson of Sweden, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen of Denmark, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy, Prime Minister Dick Schoof of the Netherlands, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre of Norway, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom signed the document.
