European leaders praise Trump for offering US military support for future peace force in Ukraine [View all]
Source: AP
By LORNE COOK
Updated 11:26 AM CDT, August 14, 2025
BRUSSELS (AP) — European leaders have praised President Donald Trump for agreeing to allow U.S. military support for a force they are mustering to police any future peace in Ukraine — a move that vastly improves the chances of success for an operation that could prove essential for the country’s security.
The leaders said Trump offered American military backup for the European “reassurance force” during a call they held with him ahead of his planned summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday. They did not say what the assistance might involve, and Trump himself has not publicly confirmed any support.
The effectiveness of the operation, drawn up by the coalition of about 30 countries supporting Ukraine, hinges on the deterrent effect of U.S. airpower or other military equipment that European armed forces do not have, or have only in short supply.
No U.S. troops would be involved, but the threat of American airpower, if needed, behind the European force would likely help to dissuade Russian troops from testing Europe’s resolve.
Read more: https://apnews.com/article/europe-willing-force-trump-ukraine-russia-0c0261cc370c8c0157d03d01fdfe6be2
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