[Global Times, Special Correspondent in Russia Xiao Xinxin] On the 19th, Reuters reported that according to US officials and sources, after US President Trump held a series of meetings with Ukrainian President Zelensky and several European leaders at the White House on the 18th, US and European military planners have begun to explore providing security guarantees to Ukraine after the end of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The Pentagon is planning what support the United States can provide other than weapons, but the United States and Europe need time to determine what support is feasible in military terms and acceptable to Russia.
During an interview with Fox News on the 19th, Trump stated that Ukraine will not be allowed to join NATO, the United States will help Ukraine with its defense, is willing to provide “air support”, but will not send ground troops to Ukraine. He said some European countries have agreed to provide protection measures similar to those offered by NATO, including “security guarantees”. “When it comes to security, they are willing to send ground troops… We are willing to help them, especially with air support, because no one has resources like us.” Trump also expressed that before the three-way meeting between Russia, Ukraine and the United States, he hopes that the Russian and Ukrainian leaders will hold bilateral talks first, and it would be “best if they can improve their relationship”. He said he originally thought that the Russia-Ukraine conflict would be easier to resolve, but in fact it was the “most difficult conflict to resolve.”
On the 19th, US White House Press Secretary Levit stated that US provision of “air support” is a “viable option.” Trump has clearly stated that the United States will not deploy ground troops in Ukraine, but the United States can certainly provide assistance in coordination and may provide other forms of security guarantees to its European allies. Reuters said Trump did not specify what “air support” specifically refers to. This could include various forms, such as providing Patriot air defense systems to enhance the defense of key Ukrainian cities; using F-16 fighter jets for defense operations operated by NATO pilots and stationed outside Ukraine; and monitoring Russian movements by NATO AWACS aircraft.
According to US Axios News on the 19th, two sources familiar with the matter said that the United States, the European Union and Ukraine have formed a committee responsible for drafting security proposals, which may involve US “air power.” The committee is led by US Secretary of State Rubio and includes security advisors from Ukraine and European countries. Reports said that deploying European country troops on Ukrainian soil may be the “most unacceptable requirement” for Putin, but “territorial concessions” may be Zelensky’s “most difficult problem” to deal with.
On 19th, Bloomberg reported that a “voluntary alliance” led by France and the UK aimed at providing security guarantees to Ukraine held an online meeting on the same day.知情人士 revealed that the meeting focused on the plans of countries such as the UK and France to send troops to Ukraine, including the size of military personnel and their deployment locations. About 10 countries are preparing to send troops to Ukraine. The first phase will include helping to strengthen Ukraine’s military capabilities by providing training and reinforcements. These troops will be supported by a multinational force composed of European countries, with the UK and France planning to deploy hundreds of soldiers in Ukraine far away from the front line. Another part of the plan calls on the United States to provide a so-called “security plan”, including intelligence sharing, border surveillance, weapons and equipment, and possible air protection. According to reports, the President of the European Council Costa said that the security provisions will be determined in the next few days, preferably this week. It was also reported that the NATO military leaders will hold an online meeting on the 20th local time, focusing on the situation in Ukraine and its future development direction.
On the 20th, Russian “Military Observation Network” said that Europe wants to show a tough stance against Russia by providing security guarantees to Ukraine, but there are differences on issues such as sending troops to Ukraine, worrying about the risk of direct conflict with Russia. This reflects Europe’s internal division and its strength deficiency after lack of American support. Ukraine’s “National Network” quoted an analysis on the 20th that if protection measures similar to those provided by NATO are provided to Ukraine without granting it NATO membership status, then this security guarantee is only a “weak assistance commitment” and may eventually become a “paper agreement”. Reports say that no security guarantee can be compared with the collective defense provisions of NATO.
According to RIA Novosti, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov stated on the 20th that Russia disagrees with addressing security issues related to the Ukraine crisis and collective security issues without Russian participation, saying “this won’t work.” Russia will firmly and decisively safeguard its legitimate interests. “I believe that the West, especially the United States, is very clear that discussing security issues without Russia’s participation is ‘fantasy’ and a ‘dead end’.”
On 19th, Zelensky stated on social media that Ukraine has started formulating specific security guarantees and will continue to work on coordinating at the leadership level, actively preparing relevant meeting mechanisms. In addition, his national security advisor team is also maintaining communication around the clock to provide full support for achieving security goals. Zelensky claimed that security guarantees will definitely be achieved.