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US may provide intelligence, surveillance and air defence support for a European-led security umbrella in postwar Ukraine.
US President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s Zelenskyy at White House (Reuters Image)
The United States indicated willingness to provide intelligence, surveillance and air defence assets to support a European-led security umbrella for Ukraine after any peace deal with Russia, Financial Times reported citing European and Ukrainian officials in the know.
US President Donald Trump told European leaders last week that Washington would take part in “co-ordination” of guarantees for postwar Ukraine- a demand Kyiv has long pressed to deter future Russian aggression, as per the report.
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What Will Be US’ Role In Post-War Ukraine?
While ruling out American troops in Ukraine, senior US officials told the outlet that Washington is prepared to offer “strategic enablers” including command and control, satellite monitoring and battlefield oversight. Officials said the US could also contribute to a European-run air defence shield through aircraft, radar and logistics.
The move marks a shift for the Donald Trump administration, which earlier said it would not participate in postwar guarantees.
Conditions For Deployment
Officials stressed that the US offer is contingent on European countries agreeing to deploy tens of thousands of troops to Ukraine as part of a “coalition of the willing.” The Pentagon described the measures as “pre-decisional” and declined to elaborate. Donald Trump said, “We haven’t even discussed the specifics of security guarantees for Ukraine. We’ll be involved from the standpoint of backup. We’re going to help them.”
He suggested that the US contribution would focus on air support, as he told Fox News, “We’re willing to help a European force, especially, probably, by air.”
Western governments have outlined a three-tiered security framework: a demilitarised zone patrolled by neutral peacekeepers, a fortified line held by Ukrainian troops armed by NATO and a European deterrence force positioned deeper in the country- with US capabilities backing from the rear.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his commanders were already coordinating with partners. He said, “The pace of work must be accelerated. The defence component of the security guarantees must be detailed in the near future.”
- Location :
Ukraine
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