The U.S. has reportedly offered support to European partners considering military deployments in Ukraine, signaling a significant shift in the Trump administration’s stance.
Trump Administration’s Shift? “FT”: U.S. Offers Support for Ukraine
“Financial Times” reports that the U.S. is prepared to support European partners with “strategic assistance tools” if they decide to deploy troops in Ukraine. These tools include intelligence, reconnaissance, and air defense capabilities. According to “Financial Times” sources, American officials had shared this information with Europeans. The article notes the U.S. offer is conditional on “European capitals committing to sending tens of thousands of soldiers to Ukraine.” Journalists highlight the proposal could still be withdrawn but emphasize it represents a major change in the Trump administration’s position, which previously excluded any involvement in ensuring Ukraine’s security post-conflict.
Three Zones on Ukrainian Territory
“Financial Times” outlines an unofficial preliminary plan by Western governments for Ukraine’s defense after a potential ceasefire. The plan proposes three zones. The first, demilitarized, would host neutral peacekeeping forces from a third country designated by Ukraine and Russia. Ukrainian forces trained by NATO would guard the second zone. The third line would consist of European-led “deterrence forces” supported by U.S. assets. The exact scope of these zones remains unclear, but “FT” states European forces would station “deeper into Ukrainian territory as the third line of defense, with U.S. backing in the rear.”
Ukrainian-U.S. Talks on Peace Solutions
This week, discussions between a Ukrainian delegation and U.S. officials on peace proposals will take place in the United States. Authorities in Kyiv and Washington confirmed the talks. However, it remains uncertain whether and when Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy might meet. Zelenskyy announced negotiations with American representatives at the end of the week, as did U.S. official Steve Witkoff, who will meet Ukrainians in New York. Witkoff, who communicates on behalf of the White House with the Kremlin, indicated ongoing daily working talks between Kyiv and Washington on military and advisory levels, focusing on security guarantees for Ukraine.
Ukrainians to Address Lack of Putin Meeting Prospects
According to Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Serhiy Kyslytsya, Kyiv has no information suggesting Russia is ready for a bilateral meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin. In an interview with Suspilne, he confirmed daily working talks with Americans in Kyiv, focusing on security guarantees for Ukraine. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has not shown, at least officially, genuine interest in such a dialogue, despite Zelenskyy’s announcements.
Source: Gazeta, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/horoskop#anchorLink, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/granica#anchorLink, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/Waszyngton#anchorLink, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/wiadomosci/0
