What's happened
As of August 2025, President Trump has ruled out deploying US ground troops to Ukraine, emphasizing European leadership in any peacekeeping mission. The US may provide air support and coordination, while negotiations between Russia and Ukraine continue with US mediation efforts. Japan and NATO discuss deeper security cooperation amid concerns over China's reaction.
What's behind the headline?
US Strategy and European Burden
The US is deliberately limiting its direct military involvement in Ukraine's post-war security, focusing on air support and coordination rather than ground troops. This stance reflects a strategic choice to avoid escalation with Russia while encouraging European allies to assume primary responsibility on the ground. The US's role is thus supportive but cautious, balancing deterrence with risk management.
Diplomatic Maneuvering and Mediation
President Trump's active engagement—meeting both Putin and Zelensky—signals a push for a negotiated settlement, though progress remains uncertain. The US administration's openness to a peacekeeping role if necessary indicates flexibility but also hesitancy to commit prematurely. Russia's insistence on being included in security talks underscores the complexity of reaching a durable agreement.
NATO and Asian Security Dynamics
Japan's strong support for Ukraine and its push for a NATO liaison office in Tokyo highlight the conflict's broader geopolitical implications. NATO's cautious approach to expanding its Asian footprint reflects concerns about antagonizing China, which views such moves as provocative. The evolving security architecture may reshape alliances and regional balances.
European Military Preparedness
European nations face challenges in readiness and resources, with some officials expressing frustration over the US's limited commitments. The UK's military capacity, while increased, remains below Cold War levels, raising questions about Europe's ability to sustain prolonged high-intensity conflict without substantial US involvement.
Forecast
The US will maintain a supportive but restrained military role, relying on European partners to lead ground operations. Diplomatic efforts will continue, but significant breakthroughs depend on reconciling territorial and security demands. NATO's engagement with Asia, particularly Japan, will deepen cautiously amid China's objections. Europe's military readiness will be tested as it shoulders greater responsibility.
What the papers say
Joe Sommerlad in The Independent reports Defense Undersecretary Elbridge Colby's statement that US involvement in peacekeeping will be "minimal," with Europe expected to be the "first line of defence" while the US provides air support. Sommerlad highlights European military leaders' frustration over the US's limited commitments, describing a "dawning reality" that Europe must act on the ground.
Al Jazeera quotes Vice President JD Vance emphasizing that the US should not "carry the burden" of Ukraine's security, expecting Europe to "play the leading role." Vance notes progress in talks between Russia and Ukraine but acknowledges the complexity of security guarantees. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warns that excluding Moscow from negotiations is a "road to nowhere."
The South China Morning Post details Japan's active support for Ukraine, including humanitarian aid and a bilateral security agreement, and its push for a NATO liaison office in Tokyo. The article discusses NATO's hesitance due to concerns about provoking China, which views NATO's Asian engagement as a "war machine."
Jake Epstein in Business Insider UK reveals Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's suggestion that a 10% markup on arms sales to Europe could finance US air cover for Ukraine. Epstein outlines the Trump administration's strategy to shift the cost of arming Ukraine onto European allies, with NATO coordinating weapons deliveries.
Andrew Feinberg in The Independent provides insight into diplomatic efforts to maintain US support, describing how Zelensky and European leaders used flattery and gifts to keep President Trump engaged during recent talks. This underscores the delicate nature of US-European relations in the peace process.
Together, these sources illustrate a US strategy focused on limited direct military involvement, reliance on European partners, ongoing diplomatic efforts, and the broader geopolitical implications involving NATO and Asia.
How we got here
Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, triggering a prolonged conflict. The US and European allies have supported Ukraine militarily and diplomatically. President Trump has sought to mediate peace talks, while European nations consider ground troop contributions. Security guarantees for Ukraine remain a key negotiation point, complicated by Russia's opposition and NATO's strategic calculations.
Go deeper
- What military support is the US willing to provide Ukraine?
- How are European countries responding to the US stance on Ukraine?
- What role is Japan playing in supporting Ukraine and NATO?
Common question
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What Security Support Is the US Offering Ukraine?
Following recent talks at the White House, many are wondering what kind of security support the US is providing to Ukraine. While US troops won't be deployed on the ground, there are other ways the US is helping Ukraine defend itself. Below, we explore the details of US and European involvement, what Trump's support means, and what future security arrangements might look like for Ukraine.
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Is the US Pulling Back from Ukraine Peace Talks?
Recent reports suggest that the US is taking a cautious approach to Ukraine peace negotiations, focusing mainly on air support and diplomatic coordination rather than direct involvement. This raises questions about America's role in ending the conflict and whether Europe might step into a more prominent leadership position. In this page, we explore the current US stance, potential European leadership, and what future peace efforts might look like.
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What’s the latest on Ukraine peace negotiations and regional tensions?
With ongoing conflicts and diplomatic efforts worldwide, many are wondering about the current state of peace talks and regional stability. From Ukraine to Lebanon, recent developments highlight the complex landscape of international diplomacy. Here are some of the most common questions people are asking about these critical issues and what they mean for global peace and security.
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Will the US send troops to Ukraine?
Many people are wondering about the US's role in the Ukraine conflict. With ongoing peace talks and international support, questions about military involvement are at the forefront. Will the US deploy troops, or are they focusing on other forms of support? Here’s what you need to know about US involvement in Ukraine right now.
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Why is the US offering limited support in Ukraine?
The US has taken a cautious approach to supporting Ukraine amid ongoing conflict. While it provides air support and diplomatic backing, it stops short of deploying ground troops. Many wonder why the US is holding back and what this means for the peace process. Below, we explore the reasons behind this limited involvement and what other countries are doing to help Ukraine find peace.
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Are Peace Talks in Ukraine Likely to Succeed?
With ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the Ukraine conflict, many are wondering if peace talks will actually lead to a resolution. The situation is complex, involving multiple countries, legal hurdles, and geopolitical interests. Here, we explore the chances of success, the main sticking points, and what influences the negotiations. If you're curious about the future of Ukraine peace efforts, read on to find clear answers to your questions.
More on these topics
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy is a Ukrainian politician, actor and comedian who is the 6th and current president of Ukraine, serving since May 2019.
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James David Vance is an American author and venture capitalist. He is best known for his memoir Hillbilly Elegy, about Appalachian values and their relation to the social problems of his hometown, which attracted significant media attention during the 201
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Sergey Viktorovich Lavrov is a Russian diplomat and politician. In office since 2004, he is the Foreign Minister of Russia. Previously, he was the Russian Representative to the UN, serving in the role from 1994 to 2004.
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
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Elbridge Andrew Colby (born December 30, 1979) is an American national security policy professional who is currently the under secretary of defense for policy. He previously served as deputy assistant secretary of defense for strategy and force developmen