The US is ready to provide «strategic auxiliary means» — intelligence, surveillance, management, and air defense, if Europe deploys tens of thousands of troops to Ukraine, writes the Financial Times citing sources. Post-war support will include American aircraft, logistics, and radars for an air shield, as well as intelligence and command for monitoring the ceasefire and coordinating Western forces.
At the same time, Washington opposed sending its own troops, and some officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, believe such actions would draw the US into a military conflict.
European countries have prepared a draft plan that provides for the creation of a demilitarized zone, possibly patrolled by neutral peacekeeping forces from a third country agreed upon by Ukraine and Russia.
According to three officials, behind this zone will be a much stronger border, which will be protected by Ukrainian troops armed and trained by NATO military.
As a third line of defense, deterrence forces will be deployed deep within Ukraine under European leadership, with American troops supporting them from the rear.
Head of the Ukrainian Presidential Administration Andriy Yermak told FT that each country in the «coalition of the willing» will contribute, «and ultimately the picture will represent a combination of military, political, and economic support».
According to Yermak, the issue of four to five European brigades «on the ground, provided by the coalition of the willing, plus „strategic assistants“ from the US» was discussed.
The US «can provide the foundation that will make the entire security and deterrence architecture work», added Yermak.
Photo: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP