The U.S. is reportedly prepared to support European partners with strategic military aid if they decide to station troops in Ukraine, signaling a potential shift from the Trump administration’s earlier stance of non-involvement.
Shift in Trump Administration’s Stance? ‘FT’ Reports: U.S. Offers Support to Ukraine
The Financial Times claims the U.S. is ready to provide European allies with “strategic support tools,” including intelligence, reconnaissance, and air defense systems, if they choose to deploy troops in Ukraine. According to sources, this offer would depend on European capitals committing to send tens of thousands of soldiers to Ukraine. Journalists emphasize the proposal could still be withdrawn but mark it as a significant departure from the Trump administration’s previous non-involvement in Ukraine’s security guarantees.
Three Zones on Ukrainian Territory
The Financial Times outlines, unofficially, an initial Western plan for Ukraine’s defense after potential hostilities end. The draft proposal envisions three zones: neutral third-party peacekeeping forces designated by Ukraine and Russia in the first, Ukrainian forces trained by NATO in the second, and European-led deterrence forces in the third. The U.S. is also noted as a potential supporter of this framework.
Talks with Ukrainians in the U.S.
This week, peace talks between a Ukrainian delegation and American officials are set to take place in the U.S., confirmed by authorities in Kyiv and Washington. However, no clarity exists regarding whether a potential Putin-Zelenskyy meeting will occur. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff mentioned the talks, with Witkoff stating he will meet Ukrainians in New York. Zelenskyy’s team also highlighted daily military and advisory discussions with Americans, focusing on security guarantees for Ukraine.
Ukrainians to Discuss the Prospect of Zelenskyy-Putin Talks
Ukrainian officials plan to address the lack of Russian interest in a bilateral meeting with Zelenskyy, despite earlier promises. Serhij Kyslytsia, deputy head of Ukraine’s foreign affairs ministry, told the Suspilne portal that Moscow has shown no official willingness to engage in such talks. Kyiv continues to hold working-level discussions in Washington on security arrangements for Ukraine.
Source: Gazeta, Financial Times, Suspilne portal, Ukrainian and U.S. government officials.
