The U.S. and European allies are considering new military guarantees for Ukraine, including U.S. air support, though experts warn Russia may never accept them.
European allies and the United States are working on a military plan to secure Ukraine’s borders, hoping to prevent another Russian invasion while keeping domestic politics in mind. The proposals come as Kyiv pushes to join NATO, a step Vladimir Putin has long warned against.
Trump’s peace envoy Steve Witkoff suggested security guarantees could offer “Article 5-like protection.” NATO’s Article 5 treats an attack on one ally as an attack on all. Colonel Philip Ingram, a former NATO planner, told The Sun that options are “virtually endless,” ranging from air policing to a “trigger force” inside Ukraine.
At Monday’s meeting, Trump reassured allies by hinting at U.S. air power for long-range strikes. “It is an option and a possibility,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said, without ruling out further action. The U.S. already has 35,000 troops stationed in Europe with over 200 aircraft ready.
Meanwhile, European leaders are preparing a “Coalition of the Willing” led by the UK and France to deploy training forces inside Ukraine after a ceasefire. Still, analysts caution against large-scale peacekeeping, citing political and economic risks.
Despite $70bn in U.S. aid and reports of a $100bn weapons deal, doubts remain over Russia’s willingness to accept Western guarantees. Ingram warned: “Putin is controlling the narrative, and he thinks he can still control Donald Trump.”