NATO-style security guarantee for Ukraine… Trump: "Ceasefire agreement close"

Trump: "Possibility of a ceasefire closer than ever"

U.S. officials: "About 90% of discussed items agreed"

"The proposals offered to Ukraine are similar to the NATO treaty"

The United States has proposed a level of security guarantees to Ukraine similar to Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and on the 15th (local time) U.S. President Donald Trump said the possibility of a ceasefire is "closer than ever."

President Trump said at a Mexico border defense medal presentation ceremony at the White House in Washington, D.C., "I had a very good conversation with European leaders about an hour ago, and much of it was related to the Russia-Ukraine war."

He added, "We had long discussions and it seems the situation is improving, but we've said that for a long time and a ceasefire is a difficult matter," showing caution.

President Trump said, "I also had long conversations with President Zelensky," and "I spoke with leaders of Germany, Italy, Finland, France, the U.K., and NATO. Contacts were made with those who were staying in Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, and so on." He also said, "We have had several conversations with Russia's President Putin."

According to Reuters and other foreign media, Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner attended a dinner with European country representatives in Berlin, Germany, that night. President Trump also participated by phone.

President Trump said, "They were very long and good conversations, and again, I think things are moving along quite well," and "We have strong cooperation from European leaders, and they also want to end the war."

He explained, "There is the problem that Russia says it wants an end to the war and then suddenly changes its stance, and Ukraine likewise says it wants an end to the war and then changes its stance," adding, "so positions of both sides must be aligned."

Asked "Why should Ukraine cede territory to Russia as a condition for a ceasefire?", he argued, "They have already lost that territory." He added, "We are working with Europe on security guarantees."

Earlier, U.S. government officials said at a press conference after the ceasefire talks, "About 90% of the discussed items have been agreed," describing the security guarantees offered to Ukraine.

According to officials, the security guarantees proposed to Ukraine are similar in form to NATO treaty Article 5, including categories such as surveillance and conflict prevention. However, they did not specify to what extent security guarantees would be provided.

Article 5 of the NATO treaty stipulates that "an attack on one member is considered an attack on all." Ukraine is not a NATO member.

President Zelensky said, "There was progress (in the talks)," and "I saw details worked on in the military field, and even at the draft stage they look very good."

However, AFP reported that "it is unclear how Russian President Vladimir Putin will react to Ukraine's security guarantees and the possibility of European troop deployments," and "a key issue remains the fate of territory occupied by Russian forces."

Kim Daeyoung, Hankyung.com reporter kdy@hankyung.com