Rubio Confirms US Will Back Ukraine Security; Europe Must Lead
BREAKING: Secretary of State Marco Rubio has confirmed that the United States will support security guarantees for Ukraine, but emphasized that European nations must take the lead. This urgent announcement comes amidst escalating discussions among Western allies about how to ensure Ukraine’s safety following a potential peace agreement with Russia.
During a crucial call on July 15, 2023, with European national security advisers, Rubio, who also serves as acting national security adviser under Donald Trump, stated that the US will participate in security arrangements, although specific commitments were not disclosed. This development is vital as Europe seeks continued engagement from the Trump administration during a pivotal moment in the conflict.
As negotiations intensify, Trump is advocating for a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia, while the pace of discussions on future security measures has quickened. Sources indicate that the US is considering a limited role that may include providing air support—specifically, the possibility of US pilots conducting missions, though deployment of ground troops remains off the table.
Officials from NATO, the European Union, and national security teams from France, the UK, Finland, Italy, and Germany participated in Thursday’s call, which is seen as a significant step forward. Earlier this week, a meeting involving top military leaders from the US and key European nations took place, underscoring the urgency of establishing a cohesive security framework for Ukraine.
“We’re going to help them out also. We’ll be involved,”
said Trump during a recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders. While Trump initially entertained the idea of deploying US troops, he later ruled that out, leading to speculation about alternative support options, including air surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
Ukraine’s Zelensky expressed optimism that a clear understanding of the security guarantees from allies will be established within the next two weeks. He revealed that 30 countries have signaled readiness to provide various forms of support, although not all commitments involve military aid. “Some may contribute boots on the ground. Some are ready to provide air defense,” Zelensky noted.
The discussions come in the wake of significant developments in the Ukraine-Russia war, including Trump’s recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and the engagement of multiple European leaders at the White House. The collaborative efforts are aimed at crafting a robust security architecture that acknowledges Europe as the “first line of defense” while securing necessary US involvement.
Military planners have been exploring a range of options, from unmanned air missions to potential air support from US pilots. Senior officials suggest that even the deployment of unmanned drones would mark a substantial commitment that could deter further Russian aggression. However, the effectiveness of unmanned aircraft in urgent scenarios remains a topic of concern.
UK Defense Secretary John Healey reiterated his country’s readiness to send troops to Ukraine, highlighting the urgency felt among European allies. As discussions evolve, Moscow has publicly rejected any security guarantees that would not allow it a veto, complicating the landscape further.
The stakes are high, and as the situation develops, all eyes will be on the US and its European allies to navigate the complexities of ensuring Ukraine’s security in the face of ongoing threats from Russia. The coming weeks will be critical in determining the framework of military support and the future of peace in the region.
Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds and the implications of these strategic discussions become clearer.
