In a significant development, several European countries are preparing to send troops to Ukraine, supported by U.S. air power, as part of a security package to bolster Ukraine's position in potential peace talks with Russia. High-level meetings are underway, involving military leaders from the U.S., UK, France, Germany, and Finland, to finalize the details. Meanwhile, Russia remains non-committal about a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy.
European Nations Ready to Deploy Troops to Ukraine Amid High-Level Talks
European Nations Ready to Deploy Troops to Ukraine Amid High-Level Talks
Plans are being crafted during intense negotiations. At the highest military level, decisions are being made on how to protect Ukraine. About ten European countries are prepared to send troops, with American air support.
The White House continues to assert that Vladimir Putin has agreed to meet Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a bilateral meeting. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has revealed more details about the security guarantees he is willing to offer Ukraine after a potential peace or ceasefire.
"France, Germany, and the UK want boots on the ground. We are willing to assist them, especially, likely, when it comes to air support," he said in an interview with Fox News.
The American president's commitments have been noted by Ukraine's allies in Europe. A security package to support Ukraine is expected to take shape this week, aiming to strengthen Zelenskyy's position ahead of a possible meeting with Putin, sources told Bloomberg.
On Tuesday, sources reported that representatives from several European countries met to discuss a plan to send primarily British and French troops to Ukraine, as well as the size of the forces. About ten countries are reportedly ready to send forces to Ukraine. According to the Wall Street Journal, these are high-level meetings where U.S. Defense Chief Dan Caine met with defense chiefs from the UK, France, Germany, and Finland, along with Alexus Grynkewich, head of U.S. forces in Europe.
The White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirms that the U.S. is coordinating the talks with its "friends in Europe" and is also discussing the issue with Russia.
Detailed Proposal
According to sources from Axios, a working group with representatives from the U.S., Europe, and Ukraine has been formed, led by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, to develop a detailed proposal for security guarantees. Sources also indicate that the package will likely involve American air support.
"In the coming days, everyone will work from sunrise to sunset on the security guarantees. A clear structure could be in place by the end of the week," said a Ukrainian source.
Meanwhile, Russia has still not confirmed that Putin has agreed to any talks with Zelenskyy. Putin's advisor Yuri Ushakov said on Monday that they are "considering the possibility" of involving higher-level individuals in the talks than before. Similar sentiments are echoed by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. While he does not dismiss anything, his statements on Russian TV do not suggest a meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders within two weeks, as has been discussed. Instead, he explains that all contacts with heads of state and government must be prepared very carefully.
"The most important thing is... to go through all the necessary steps to prepare summits. Moscow will always support a serious approach," Lavrov told Rossiya-24.
Russia also dismisses talk of NATO countries being sent to Ukraine.
"This would be an uncontrollable escalation of the conflict with unpredictable consequences," said Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, according to Ria Novosti.