The United States will act as a “backup” power in ensuring Ukraine’s future security, President Donald Trump announced Monday, placing the primary responsibility on European nations. This policy was articulated following a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump’s call with the Russian leader capped a period of intense diplomacy focused on the Ukraine conflict. Last week, on August 18, he hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European officials to deliberate on the nature of future security guarantees.
While the details of these guarantees remain vague, Trump’s vision for the division of labor is not. He expects Europe to provide “significant security guarantees,” with America offering support from a secondary position.
Trump also shared that his engagement with Putin extends beyond the immediate crisis. He spoke of a prior meeting in Alaska on August 15 where the two leaders discussed the ambitious goal of reducing their nuclear arsenals once the war in Ukraine concludes.
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