Security Guarantees for Ukraine: Recent Discussions

In private talks in recent weeks, the USA has expressed willingness to provide security assurances for the military contingent of the "coalition of the willing" that could be deployed in Ukraine following a peace agreement with Russia.

Source: The Telegraph

According to the publication, British officials acknowledge that specific guarantees from the USA remain unclear.

Washington has yet to officially promise military support in the event of a direct attack from Russia, and Trump has repeatedly turned down the idea of providing security guarantees. However, according to the publication, American negotiators have clearly indicated in private discussions that they are prepared to support Western forces.

Quote: "One form of such support is the exchange of intelligence, which has long been the cornerstone of the 'special relationship' between the USA and the UK.

Another form is logistical assistance. European aircraft, ships, and ground forces will require supplies and help in analyzing the movements of Russian troops in and out of Ukraine."

Details: British officials emphasize that it is difficult to predict what exactly and when Trump will approve.

"The negotiations are ongoing, and he (Trump – ed.) has already stated several times that he will support us, as you know. I have made it clear that this is an important component of everything we plan," said UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in an interview with The Telegraph.

Quote: "The operational discussions regarding the 'coalition of the willing' have been divided into four conditional 'segments' of military activity: 'air', 'sea', 'land', and 'recovery'.

The first two segments imply that European allies will control the airspace over Ukraine and the Black Sea to prevent Russia from violating the terms of peace.

The third segment concerns troops stationed directly on Ukrainian territory. At the same time, the front line with Russia after a possible peace treaty will be held by Ukrainian forces, not Western ones.

The fourth direction of the coalition's plans – 'recovery' – aims at long-term support for the Ukrainian army, which is currently considered the most combat-ready in Europe.

Details: It is expected that the British program for training Ukrainian soldiers – Operation Interflex – will be moved from the UK to western Ukraine. However, the possibility of further deploying British troops beyond this limited involvement is still under consideration.

According to British plans, these four elements do not necessarily have to be activated simultaneously. Likely, immediately after achieving a ceasefire, only Ukrainian forces will hold back the enemy, while allies will join gradually.

At the same time, the question remains open as to whether European allies will continue to supply weapons to Ukraine after the ceasefire, and whether the USA will allow the sale of American arms to Kyiv, the publication notes.