Amid the ongoing conflict on the fronts of Ukraine and the objections and delays in negotiations, the United States appears prepared to support any Western security umbrella for Kiev after the war, offering critical data infrastructure and surveillance. It also does not rule out its participation in a European-led air defense shield, according to European and Ukrainian officials cited by the Financial Times.

US President Donald Trump reportedly assured European leaders last week that Washington would participate in coordinating security guarantees for Ukraine following a potential peace deal – a demand by Kiev to deter future Russian aggression.

Senior American officials, in a series of consultations with European counterparts, expressed Washington's intention to contribute strategic capabilities, such as intelligence, surveillance, command, control, and air defense infrastructure, in order to support any European force on the ground, according to four sources cited by the Financial Times.

American support for European deterrence

The plan involves a coalition of the willing, led by the United Kingdom and France, committed to protecting Ukraine after the war ends. But European officials admit that the operational implementation of such a plan depends on US support, both in terms of technical expertise and in protecting European troops.

The US support, however, requires clear commitments from European governments to send tens of thousands of troops to Ukraine. Sources say the US offer could be withdrawn, but it marks a shift in stance from the Trump administration, which had previously ruled out US involvement in the security of post-war Ukraine.

No to a mission of American soldiers

Although the US does not intend to deploy troops to Ukraine, officials say Washington may support a European mission, mainly by air, by providing radar to create a no-fly zone and an air shield.

However, the Pentagon declined to confirm the information, saying the reported measures are in the early stages, referring to the White House for official statements. President Trump said on Monday that the details of the security guarantees have not yet been discussed, but stressed that the United States will help from a position of support.

Three-level design

The plan under development envisages a demilitarized zone of surveillance by third-country peacekeepers to be agreed upon by Kiev and Moscow. Behind it, Ukrainian troops, equipped and trained by NATO, would be deployed. At a third level, a European deterrent force would be stationed deeper into Ukrainian territory, with the US providing support.

However, several governments in Europe remain wary of sending troops, even with US cover.

Trump's initiative unsuccessful so far

Trump's initiative for a peaceful solution has not borne fruit. Russia rejected the US president's proposal for a meeting between Putin and Zelensky, while Moscow insists on territorial claims that go beyond Kiev's red lines.

The European Commission said that, following discussions in Washington, national security advisers have been asked to develop a concrete plan for security guarantees. President Zelensky, for his part, called for the process to be expedited and stressed the need for clear and detailed defense provisions.