Pentagon signals minimal US role in Ukraine security guarantees

The Pentagon’s top policy official has signalled that the United States intends to play only a minimal role in any future security guarantees for Ukraine, reinforcing expectations that Europe will bear the primary responsibility for maintaining stability once the war ends.

Elbridge Colby, the Defense undersecretary for policy, made the remarks on the night to a small group of allies during a meeting led by Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Dan Caine, Caliber.Az reports via POLITICO.

Defence chiefs from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Finland pressed the US delegation for clarity on potential American contributions of troops and air support for a postwar peace framework, according to European officials briefed on the talks.

“There’s the dawning reality that this will be Europe making this happen on the ground,” said one NATO diplomat. “The U.S. is not fully committed to anything.”

The meeting, along with an urgent NATO session on Wednesday, has deepened concerns among allies that President Donald Trump will leave much of the burden to Europe in securing a lasting peace in Kyiv. This comes only days after Trump and European leaders met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House in a show of unity.

Trump had said on August 18 he was ready to send US troops to Ukraine, but softened his stance a day later, suggesting that Washington might limit its role to providing air support for European forces. “I don’t know where that leaves us,” one European official said. “Pretty much back to where we were in the spring with the coalition of the willing.”

Colby, who has urged Europe to take on greater responsibility for its own security, has become a key voice in the administration. Earlier this year, his review of US munitions stockpiles prompted Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to briefly freeze military aid to Ukraine. His influence has fueled scepticism among European allies about Washington’s commitment.

Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson said Colby attended the meeting “to relay President Trump’s and Secretary Hegseth’s guidance related to security guarantees for Ukraine,” emphasising that his comments reflected the administration’s position.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte briefed alliance members in Brussels on Wednesday, initiating discussions on how to structure possible security guarantees. “Military planning in Europe is being adjusted for any scenario, even as diplomacy continues in parallel,” a NATO official said.

The White House has floated Budapest as a potential venue for future talks between Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin, but few officials believe negotiations will move at the pace Trump desires. “The main takeaway is [a peace deal] is not moving very quickly,” said one European official.

By Tamilla Hasanova