Trump, Europe Discuss Security Guarantees in Ukraine Call/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump joined European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a virtual call on Thursday, urging Europe to increase pressure on Vladimir Putin. The talks followed a Paris meeting where 26 allies pledged troops for a postwar “reassurance force” in Ukraine. Despite signals of U.S. support, major gaps remain in how security guarantees will be implemented.
Trump Urges Europe on Ukraine Pressure Quick Looks
- Trump spoke by phone with Zelenskyy and European leaders Thursday.
- Urged Europe to take lead in pressuring Putin.
- Call followed Paris meeting of the “coalition of the willing.”
- 26 nations pledged troops for a postwar reassurance force.
- European allies to provide land, sea, air, and cyber support.
- UK confirmed long-range missiles will be supplied to Ukraine.
- Germany warned sanctions could tighten if Russia stalls talks.
- Trump envoy Steve Witkoff joined Paris meetings in person.
- Zelenskyy seeks strong NATO-style guarantees with U.S. backing.
- Russia launched 112 drones overnight, 84 intercepted.
Trump, Europe Discuss Security Guarantees in Ukraine Call
Deep Look
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — President Donald Trump told European leaders Thursday that they must step up pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin, as diplomatic talks over Ukraine’s future remain stalled. The appeal came during a conference call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and participants from the so-called “coalition of the willing”, following a major security meeting in Paris.
Trump Pushes Europe to Lead
“I’ve been watching it, I’ve been seeing it, and I’ve been talking about it with President Putin and President Zelenskyy… but they are not ready yet,” he told CBS a day earlier.
On Thursday, Trump emphasized that Europe, not just Washington, should take greater responsibility for advancing negotiations and applying pressure on Moscow.
Paris Meeting Produces Pledge of Troops
The call followed a meeting in Paris where 26 nations pledged to contribute troops or forces to Ukraine once a ceasefire is achieved, according to French President Emmanuel Macron.
The plan envisions a “reassurance force” deployed across land, sea, air, and cyberspace to secure Ukraine against renewed aggression. Macron stressed the need for U.S. backing, with Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer calling America’s role crucial to both security guarantees and continued diplomatic momentum.
Starmer’s office confirmed the coalition also agreed to supply Ukraine with long-range missiles, strengthening Kyiv’s arsenal ahead of potential negotiations.
Ukraine’s “Boots and Flags on the Ground”
Zelenskyy and his team outlined principles for future security guarantees, built on the concept of “boots on the ground and flags on the ground.” While not every country can provide large numbers of troops, Ukraine envisions allies contributing in diverse ways:
- Fighter jets and air support
- Intelligence sharing
- Naval patrols in the Black Sea
- Symbolic troop deployments
- Direct financial contributions
“We discussed in detail each country’s readiness to make a contribution to ensuring security on land, at sea, in the air, and in cyberspace,” Zelenskyy said.
German and NATO Positions
Germany warned that sanctions on Russia will intensify if Moscow continues to delay peace talks. Chancellor Friedrich Merz outlined three goals: securing a summit with Zelenskyy, negotiating a ceasefire, and applying sanctions pressure.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, who joined virtually, stressed that deterrence must be strong enough to dissuade further Russian aggression.
“We know what Putin tries to do, and the evidence is there in Ukraine as we speak,” he said.
U.S. Envoy’s Role
Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff attended the Paris meeting in person and held a private session with Zelenskyy. He later joined Trump on the follow-up call.
Zelenskyy said earlier this month that the U.S. had signaled willingness to support NATO-style guarantees, including continued intelligence sharing and air support, though details remain unclear.
On the Ground in Ukraine
Even as leaders debated Ukraine’s future security, Russia escalated attacks, launching 112 strike and decoy drones overnight Thursday, according to Ukraine’s Air Force. Defenses intercepted or jammed 84 of them.
In a further escalation of diplomatic tensions, Russia announced it would expel an Estonian diplomat in retaliation for Estonia declaring a Russian envoy persona non grata.
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