US Open to Limited Role in Providing Security Guarantees for Ukraine, with Europe Leading Post-War Efforts
In a significant development, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed European counterparts during a call on Thursday that America would participate in post-war security assurances for Ukraine, with the administration advocating for Europe to take the lead role. Although Rubio did not specify the nature of these security guarantees, the conversation reportedly adds momentum at a crucial time when Europe is seeking continued engagement from the Trump administration.
During the call with European national security advisers, Rubio—who also serves as the acting national security adviser for President Donald Trump—did not provide details on potential commitments. However, the discussion underscores Europe’s desire for ongoing involvement from the U.S. administration as negotiations among allies escalate regarding future measures to deter Russia from attacking again.
The U.S. has expressed readiness to play a limited role in providing security assurances to Ukraine if a peace agreement is reached with Russia, potentially involving American pilots flying manned air support missions. Although Trump has ruled out deploying ground troops, the U.S. and its allies are reportedly exploring various other options.
European officials have expressed interest in continued military intelligence and surveillance from the U.S., a desire that was raised directly to President Trump during meetings on Monday with several European leaders at the White House. Although Trump appeared receptive, no explicit commitment was made at that time.
The call on Thursday included national security advisers from NATO, the EU, France, the UK, Finland, Italy, and Germany. On Wednesday, a meeting took place between U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine, US European Command commander Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, and defense chiefs from key European nations, followed by a broader NATO defense chiefs meeting led by Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Adm. Giuseppe Cavo Dragone.
These military meetings followed discussions at the White House on Monday between Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and several other key European allies. During these meetings, Trump emphasized that Europe would be the primary line of defense for Ukraine while also indicating U.S. involvement in Ukraine’s security.
Officials familiar with Wednesday’s meetings stated that this declaration significantly altered the planning process regarding Ukraine’s security guarantees. Military planners from the “Coalition of the Willing” had previously been discussing security measures for Ukraine but were hindered due to uncertainty about the U.S.’s position.
While some allies are eager to contribute troops and provide air defense, they recognize that even with U.S. involvement—which is yet to be determined concretely—Europe has an inherent responsibility for the security of the region.
The meetings on Wednesday came following several significant developments in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, including Trump’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska last week and his subsequent hosting of Zelensky and key European leaders at the White House. During these events, discussions surrounding security guarantees for Ukraine were a central focus.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expects an understanding within the next two weeks regarding the specific security assurances that allies are prepared to offer in the event of a peace deal. Thirty countries have pledged their willingness to provide such guarantees, although not all commitments will be military aid; some will involve financial support or economic sanctions against Russia in case of another attack.
Zelensky stated that Trump’s participation in security discussions has reassured fence-sitting nations and attracted previously hesitant countries like Turkey to join efforts for Black Sea security. However, Moscow has publicly dismissed any security guaranteances that it would not also have veto power over—a condition that Kyiv considers unacceptable. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov added that Moscow would prefer China’s inclusion in the security agreement.