The US president said on Tuesday that the United States is ready to use airline power to support a European security force in, but has ruled out the development of US terrestrial forces.
Following Trump’s summit with his Russian counterpart in Alaska, the US president has commissioned Air Force General Dan Caine to draw up options for security guarantees similar to those for his power, according to a Western official.
However, the planned force faces significant diplomatic challenges.
Russia reacts
Although Trump has said he expects the Russian president to accept the presence of Western troops in Ukraine, Russia has opposed the idea of sending troops by NATO members to Ukraine.
“We reiterate our steady position that we reject every scenario that provides for a military outlet in Ukraine with NATO member states,” Russian Foreign Minister Maria Zaharova spokesman Maria Zaharova said Tuesday.
Such a step, he added, could lead to ”. Trump did not specify what kind of US military support from air will be provided – if it includes fighter aircraft, anti -aircraft systems or unmanned surveillance aircraft.
Pentagon’s plan
“When it comes to security, Europeans are willing to put people on the ground,” Trump said in an interview with Fox. “We are willing to help them, especially by air, because no one has the equipment we have.”
According to the Wall Street Journal, the Pentagon could develop outside Ukraine aircraft to protect European forces, such as fighters for support in attacks or drones. The US could also carry troops and equipment with their transfers, provide anti -aircraft systems and military information.
Security guarantees needed
Europeans are hesitant to send forces without the US “security guarantee”, that is, the assurance that US forces will be able to intervene in the event of an attack on troops.
NATO’s concern about possible Moscow moves, the alliance announced on Tuesday that it has laid its strengths, including anti -aircraft systems, when Russian aircraft launched rockets against Ukraine. In the end, there were no breaches of the airspace.
Foreign Minister Marco Rubio will begin working with Europeans on security guarantee plans for Ukraine. Guarantees could include a commitment corresponding to Article 5 of NATO, according to which an attack on a member is considered an attack on all.
What do they consider France-Britain
The plan to support Ukraine was drawn up by British and French shortly before Trump’s re -election. He gained more weight after Zelenski’s harsh confrontation with Trump at the Oval Office earlier this year. Initially, Europeans were planning to develop up to 30,000 troops. But Trump showed little interest in American participation, while Germany and Italy refused to send forces.
Britain and France then began to discuss a more limited power of a few thousand soldiers, away from the front line. These forces would support the Ukrainian army and will be deterrent to a possible Russian attack in strategic locations, such as airports and military centers.
French officials have said that Paris could initially deploy 3,000–5,000 troops in Ukraine.
British and French officers visited Ukraine in April to examine options. Britain will probably focus on air support, as its army has been significantly reduced in recent decades.
