Russia is open to Ukraine joining the EU as part of a peace deal to end the war, according to US officials.

The United States has indicated a willingness to provide significant security guarantees to Ukraine as part of ongoing peace negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict with Russia, which has persisted for nearly four years. U.S. officials confirmed on Monday that discussions with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took place in Berlin, signaling potential breakthroughs in the dialogue process.

Following recent conversations that included U.S. envoys, the Trump administration reported progress in addressing security guarantee concerns raised by Kyiv. Crucially, these discussions explored the contentious issue of land concessions that Russia has demanded from Ukraine in the Donbas region. Notably, Trump was also anticipated to participate in a dinner alongside European leaders and negotiators later on the same day, with additional talks expected to occur over the weekend in either Miami or elsewhere in the United States.

U.S. officials emphasized that the offer of security guarantees would not remain viable indefinitely. Plans are in place to submit the proposed agreement for Senate approval, although it remains unclear whether it will require the two-thirds majority typically necessary for treaty ratification.

Consensus has reportedly been reached regarding around 90% of the proposed peace framework, with indications from Russia that it is receptive to Ukraine’s potential accession to the European Union. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz remarked that the collaborative efforts of Ukraine, the U.S., and European nations have resulted in a framework for a ceasefire supported by tangible legal and material security assurances.

Nevertheless, the path to a peaceful resolution is fraught with challenges, particularly concerning Ukraine’s postwar security and territorial integrity. Zelenskyy has asserted that any international security guarantees must be legally binding and endorsed by Congress, while also expressing readiness to reconsider Ukraine’s NATO aspirations if adequate security assurances, similar to those extended to NATO members, are secured from the U.S. and its allies.

The ongoing negotiations have been complicated by Russia’s insistence that Ukraine relinquish control of certain territory as a condition for peace. Russian President Vladimir Putin has framed Ukraine’s bid for NATO membership as a direct threat to Russian security and a justification for the invasion initiated in February 2022.

While Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov expressed optimism about President Putin’s openness to serious peace discussions, he refrained from speculating on a timeline for a resolution, labeling predictions as “a thankless task.”

In the background of these diplomatic efforts, hostilities continue. Over a recent 24-hour period, Russia launched over 150 drones against Ukraine, with Ukrainian defenses reportedly neutralizing a significant majority. In response, Russian authorities claimed to have countered Ukrainian drone attacks targeting areas within their borders.

The stakes remain high as both sides navigate the complexities of a peace agreement, with the humanitarian and geopolitical ramifications of the ongoing conflict deeply affecting the region and beyond.

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