US signals support for European-led security plan in postwar Ukraine

The United States has signalled its readiness to provide intelligence, surveillance, and air defence support to any European-led security initiative for postwar Ukraine, European and Ukrainian officials said.

US President Donald Trump told European leaders last week that Washington would participate in coordinating security guarantees for Ukraine, a move Kyiv has sought to deter future Russian aggression, Caliber.Az writes, quoting an article by The Financial Times.

Senior US officials have since indicated that the country could contribute “strategic enablers,” including command and control, ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance), and air defence assets, to support a European deployment on the ground.

A coalition led by the UK and France has pledged to protect Ukraine from potential postwar Russian attacks, but European officials privately acknowledged that any deployment would rely heavily on US support. While the US already supplies Ukraine with Patriot missiles, the new plan could involve US aircraft, ground-based radar, and logistics to help enforce a no-fly zone and air shield for the country.

The proposed US support is contingent on European commitments to deploy tens of thousands of troops in Ukraine. While Trump’s administration remains opposed to sending American troops, officials say the US could serve as a “backbone” to enable and coordinate European forces.

Kyiv’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, confirmed that discussions involve four to five European brigades supported by US strategic assets. He described the recent meetings in Washington as a breakthrough, highlighting a clearer framework for military, political, and economic support for Ukraine’s defence.

Despite these developments, both European leaders and the public remain cautious about potential troop deployments on Ukrainian soil. Talks continue on structuring a demilitarised zone and a multi-layered defence force, with US assets providing critical backing from behind the lines.

European Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho said national security advisers are now working to define the specifics of security guarantees, with details expected soon.

By Khagan Isayev