In a significant policy statement, President Donald Trump has indicated that the United States will act as a secondary partner in guaranteeing Ukraine’s security, leaving the primary role to European allies. This position was shaped by recent talks with all key parties, including Russia’s Vladimir Putin.
Trump explained that he had a telephone conversation with Putin shortly after concluding meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders in Washington on August 18. The focus of these discussions has been to find a sustainable security solution for Kyiv.
While security guarantees have not been finalized, Trump’s vision is clear: Europe must step up. “Europe is going to give them significant security guarantees,” he said, adding that the U.S. contribution would be as “backup.”
This strategic positioning is complemented by separate, long-term discussions between the U.S. and Russia. Trump revealed that in an August 15 meeting in Alaska, he and Putin talked about a future where their nuclear arsenals could be reduced following the resolution of the Ukraine conflict.