The United States and its European allies are weighing major security guarantees for Ukraine, including the possibility of sending troops, as talks continue on how to end Russia’s three-and-a-half-year-old war.
Military chiefs from the US, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the UK, and Ukraine met in Washington this week to draw up proposals for their national security advisers. A Pentagon statement confirmed that the options had been developed for “appropriate consideration,” with Reuters first reporting the move.
The discussions come after US President Donald Trump pledged to help safeguard Ukraine under any deal to end the war. While Trump has ruled out sending American troops, he has left open the possibility of US military support, including air defence systems or even a no-fly zone enforced by American jets.
Europe expected to lead
According to sources familiar with the talks, European nations are expected to provide most of the forces if a security deal is reached. “The lion’s share” of troops and costs would fall on Europe, echoing Vice President JD Vance’s comments earlier this week.
US Secretary of State and National Security Adviser Marco Rubio held a conference call Thursday with key European counterparts, including UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell, NATO secretary general’s chief of staff Geoffrey van Leeuwen, and other senior officials from France, Italy, Germany, Finland, and the European Commission.
“The planning work continues,” one source said, stressing that Washington is still determining the scale of its role.
Troop deployments on the table
One proposal being considered would see European soldiers deployed in Ukraine under US command and control. Another option is boosting Ukraine’s air defences or using US fighter jets to enforce a no-fly zone.
French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer have already signaled support for troop deployments as part of a “coalition of the willing.” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has also shown openness to joining the effort.
Still, the challenge is immense. The head of Germany’s soldiers’ union warned Thursday that tens of thousands of troops would likely be needed for a long-term peace force inside Ukraine.
Pressure for a deal
Trump has been pushing for a swift resolution to what he has called Europe’s deadliest conflict in 80 years. But Kyiv and its allies remain cautious, fearing Washington could pressure Ukraine into a settlement tilted in Russia’s favor.
For now, military planners on both sides of the Atlantic are racing to finalize options — with Europe expected to step up more than ever before.
