Trump and Zelenskyy conclude discussions in Washington during a summit meeting - Trump and Zelenskyy conclude their discussion in Washington during the Ukraine summit
The recent summit between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and former U.S. President Donald Trump has set the stage for discussions on security guarantees for Ukraine. These discussions revolve around a European-led security force, supported by strategic enablers from the United States, and layered defense arrangements.
The proposed security framework aims to combine the robust self-defense strength of the Ukrainian armed forces with a multinational protective layer. European leaders, including NATO officials, have proposed a multi-layered approach. The first layer strengthens the Ukrainian armed forces for post-conflict defense, while the second layer involves joint security guarantees provided by Europe and the U.S.
European states have insisted on security guarantees modelled on an "Article 5-like" framework, similar to NATO’s collective defense principle, though the detailed mechanisms remain under negotiation. A European-led deterrence force, supported by U.S. assets such as aircraft, logistics, and radar for no-fly zones and air defense, would operate deeper within Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukrainian troops would defend positions behind a demilitarized zone patrolled by neutral peacekeepers.
The U.S. role would be crucial, providing key military support such as intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), command-and-control (C2), and air defense assets, enabling and protecting European troops deployed in postwar Ukraine.
However, the Kremlin has rejected the presence of NATO troops as part of any security guarantees for Ukraine, which remains a key obstacle. The exact timeline, location, and specifics of a potential meeting between Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin are unclear at this point.
Diplomacy between U.S. military leaders and their European counterparts is ongoing, with the aim of negotiating a joint military plan for these guarantees, aiming for a sustainable long-term defense arrangement against future aggression. The details of these security guarantees, if agreed upon, are yet to be finalized.
In a positive note, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte described the summit at the White House as successful, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that his expectations were exceeded. The potential security guarantees include arming Ukraine, providing air defense, and a possible military presence in Ukraine after a peace with Russia. The Europeans are seeking to consult with the USA on these matters.
As these discussions continue, the international community watches with anticipation, hoping for a peaceful and secure future for Ukraine.
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