NATO Chief Mark Rutte stated that any European security guarantees for Ukraine, under a potential peace agreement with Russia, would need to be supported by the United States.
“Strong security guarantees, if offered by European states, require backing from the U.S.,” said Rutte during his visit to Slovakia on February 20. “Not with troops on the ground, but we still need overall U.S. support to ensure deterrence is in place.”
European supporters of Kyiv are attempting to craft a plan, as U.S. President Donald Trump has avoided engaging Washington’s allies and has instead started efforts with Moscow to end the war that began in 2022.
The UK has stated it could deploy troops in Ukraine if necessary to secure a lasting peace, but London has insisted that the U.S. will need to provide support.
British media have reported that the UK and France are working to propose sending a “security force” of 30,000 troops to Ukraine if Washington commits to providing air cover from a neighboring country.
Rutte did not provide details on the plans being worked on, but stated that the U.S. “has some unique capabilities… necessary to enable European states to assist.”
Ukraine insists that it needs guarantees in any agreement to ensure Russia cannot attack again.
“It’s vital that any agreement reached brings lasting peace, and that Russia will never again attempt to seize any square kilometer of Ukrainian land,” Rutte emphasized.
“While many things still need to be decided, there’s no doubt Europe has a vital role to play in ensuring peace in Ukraine.”
Trump’s administration has made it clear it does not plan to send troops to Ukraine under any peace agreement. Instead, the U.S. has stated that Europe must do its part to ensure that any agreement reached under Washington’s mediation is implemented.
