Secretary Rubio: US to join Ukraine's security guarantees, but Europe must lead
Photo: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (Getty Images)
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that Washington will participate in post-war security guarantees for Ukraine. But he emphasized that it is Europe that must take on the leading role, according to CNN.
As the TV channel reports, citing a European diplomat familiar with the conversation, Rubio made this statement on Thursday during a meeting with European colleagues.
At the White House, they believe that the primary responsibility for providing security guarantees to Ukraine should be borne by European states. Rubio did not specify what exact guarantees the US is ready to provide, but gave a signal that America will not stay aside.
Options from the US
US President Donald Trump earlier stated that American military personnel will not be sent to Ukraine. But Washington is ready to consider other formats:
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aviation support – both piloted and unmanned;
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intelligence and surveillance missions;
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military coordination and support of allies.
At the same time, in the US they recognize that it is Europe that will be the "first line of defense," and America will contribute auxiliary resources.
Position of Kyiv
Previously, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that within the next two weeks, Kyiv expects concretization from partners. According to him, 30 countries are already developing security guarantees, but not all of them concern military assistance.
Some states are ready to limit themselves to financial support or pressure through sanctions on Moscow, while others are discussing the deployment of military personnel, strengthening air defense, and controlling the skies.
Zelenskyy also emphasized: the signal from the US became an impetus for other partners. In particular, Türkiye confirmed its readiness to help Ukraine in the security of the Black Sea.
Europe is ready to act
The United Kingdom, France, and Germany have already declared readiness to play an active role in Ukraine’s security. Head of the Ministry of Defense of Britain John Healey directly stated that London is ready to send military personnel to Ukraine.
Moscow against
Russia predictably reacted negatively. Sergey Lavrov, Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, stated that Moscow will not accept any collective security guarantees without its participation. He emphasized that the Kremlin will demand the right of veto, as well as the involvement of China. In Kyiv, such a condition is considered unacceptable.
In the White House, they generally ridiculed such a proposal.
