US President Donald Trump has said the United States could support European-led security guarantees for Ukraine if a peace deal with Russia is reached, signalling a potential shift in how Kyiv’s post-war defence might be arranged.
Trump was pressed by reporters on Monday about whether he would commit US troops to a “NATO-like” security framework to protect Ukraine once the fighting ends.
“We have people waiting in another room right now. They’re all here from Europe – biggest people in Europe – and they want to give protection,” Trump replied. “They feel very strongly about it and we’ll help them out with that.
I think it’s very important. I think it’s very important to get the deal done.”
The comments fall short of a clear US commitment to deploy troops, but they indicate Washington could play a supporting role in European-led guarantees designed to reassure Kyiv and deter future Russian aggression.
European Role in Focus
Trump’s reference to “biggest people in Europe” is understood to point towards leading EU and NATO member states such as Germany and France, which have been pressing for a long-term security framework.
Several European nations have already pledged bilateral defence agreements with Ukraine, though Kyiv insists that only formal NATO membership offers true protection.
Diplomats say any post-war settlement would likely hinge on binding guarantees, particularly as Ukraine’s bid for NATO membership has been resisted by some allies who fear direct confrontation with Russia.
Pressure on Zelenskyy
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has consistently said Ukraine cannot agree to peace without assurances that Russia will not attack again.
His government has pushed for “NATO-style” commitments, warning that vague pledges of support would not be enough to secure the country’s future.
Trump’s suggestion that European nations could take the lead may be part of efforts to persuade Zelenskyy to the negotiating table, with the United States backing a deal but avoiding a large troop commitment.
Questions Over US Involvement
The former president has not spelled out what “help” from Washington would mean, raising uncertainty over whether it would involve financial, logistical, or military assistance. During his first term, Trump frequently criticised NATO allies for not contributing enough to their own defence, while also casting doubt on the automatic nature of US commitments under Article 5.
Analysts say his latest comments reflect a familiar theme: pressing Europe to shoulder more responsibility for its security, while leaving the US in a supporting but less exposed role.
Wider Strategic Stakes
For Moscow, any deal that included Western-backed security guarantees for Ukraine would be seen as a major obstacle to its long-term ambitions.
Russian officials have repeatedly denounced NATO expansion and warned against any form of Western military presence near its borders.
At the same time, failure to provide Ukraine with robust guarantees could leave the country vulnerable to renewed attacks once a ceasefire is in place.
Balancing Act
Trump has repeatedly promised to deliver a peace deal “quickly” if re-elected, but his latest remarks highlight the delicate balance between securing Ukraine’s sovereignty and limiting the risk of direct confrontation with Russia.
With Europe expected to take a central role in any post-war arrangement, Washington’s support – even if not troop-based – would remain a vital part of reassuring Kyiv and deterring Moscow.
Editing by M10News International Desk | Contact: international@m10news.com
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