The debate over security guarantees for Ukraine is gaining momentum. US President Trump is clarifying his country's contribution. Berlin is also making vague suggestions. Experts warn: This won't be easy.

A sticking point in the White House deliberations was the security guarantees for Ukraine in a potential peace process with Russia. The discussion is now gaining momentum. The EU heads of state and government met for a debriefing of the meeting and discussed ways to protect Ukraine in the event of a peace agreement.

Costa sees growing momentum

EU Council President António Costa subsequently spoke of growing momentum regarding security guarantees. Now is the time to accelerate efforts and create a pledge of protection similar to that contained in Article 5 of the NATO Treaty, with continued US engagement, Costa said in Lisbon.

In the coming days, probably before the end of this week, the military leaders of the so-called Coalition of the Willing, in coordination with the United States, will finalize future security guarantees, according to the EU Council President. The Coalition of the Willing refers to a group of states led by Great Britain and France.

A fundamental yes comes from Berlin

Germany has already made it clear that it will participate in possible security guarantees. However, the form of this will only be decided"once there is agreement on the broad framework," according to government sources."The concrete decision on what Germany's contribution will be will be made at a much later date."

Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) said they are working intensively on reliable security guarantees, emphasizing,"We are taking into account, first, the progress of the negotiations, second, a possible contribution from the United States, and third, the coordination with our closest partners." Furthermore, it is also necessary to examine"Russia's willingness to reach a peace settlement," Pistorius continued. The German government is working"intensively on a solution."

The minister added: "Especially these days, we are aware of our responsibility in Europe and are working together with our close partners to ensure reliable security guarantees for Ukraine are developed."

"A mammoth task"

Experts caution that the practical implementation of possible security guarantees, such as the stationing of troops in Ukraine, could be anything but easy. According to calculations by the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP), approximately 150,000 soldiers would be needed for"credible military security."

Thilo Geiger of the Hamburg Institute for Peace Research considers the figures "not unreasonable": "Because this is not about a traditional peacekeeping force, but about deterrent troops." They must be able to "prevent Russia from continuing its attacks on Ukraine."

Trump wants to help from the air

Initially, the White House sounded cautious. President Trump said after the summit that the US would support security guarantees, but he left details open. Regarding the Ukrainians, he simply assured them:"We will give them very good protection, very good security."

However, Trump later suggested air support on Fox News. Trump stated that the US could provide air support for European peacekeepers in the event of a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia. He again rejected the idea of sending US troops.

Trump said of the so-called Coalition of the Willing in Europe:"When it comes to security, they are willing to put people on the ground." The US, for its part, is"willing to help them with things, especially from the air." He added that no one in Europe has equipment like the US.

Trump further stated that France, Germany, and Great Britain wanted to send ground troops to Ukraine. He did not believe this would be a problem for Russian President Vladimir Putin."Putin is tired of war," Trump emphasized.