On August 21 (US time), military leaders of the US and many European countries gathered in Washington D.C to present security support plans for Ukraine. This is the next step after US President Donald Trump pledged to help protect Ukraine under an agreement to end the conflict that has lasted for more than 3 and a half years.
According to the Pentagon, the US and Europe have built many military options for national security advisers to consider. The meeting was attended by chief of staff from the US, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the UK and Ukraine.
Mr. Marco Rubio - US Secretary of State and National Security Advisor - discussed online with European partners, including Mr. Jonathan Powell (UK), Mr. Bjoern Seibert (EC), Mr. Geoffrey van Leeuwen ( NATO) and representatives of France, Germany, Italy and Finland.
A source said that the final details are still being agreed upon but Europe will carry the majority of the deployment force. This is in line with US Vice President J.D Vance's previous statement that the main cost of the campaign will be borne by Europe. Washington is still considering the scope of its role.
President Trump affirmed that he will not send US soldiers to Ukraine but left open the possibility of participating in other forms such as air support. Options mentioned include deploying European forces but leaving the US to command and control, or providing additional air defense systems and even imposing a US fighter ban.
Some European leaders have shown support. French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer have expressed their willingness to participate in the deployment as part of the voluntary alliance. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is also open to participation.
The chairman of the German soldiers' union stressed that NATO leaders in Europe need to prepare to face the reality that tens of thousands of soldiers will have to be deployed in Ukraine for a long time if they want to ensure peace.
President Trump has repeatedly called for an early end to the conflict, but Kiev and its allies have feared he could find a way to promote a deal based on Moscow's conditions.
