European nations will be expected to take the lead in ensuring Ukraine’s security following a potential peace deal to end Russia’s ongoing conflict, according to United States Vice President JD Vance. In a recent interview with Fox News, Vance emphasized that the United States should not bear the primary responsibility for securing Kyiv post-conflict.
“I think that we should be helpful if it’s necessary to stop the war and to stop the killing. But I think that we should expect, and the president certainly expects, Europe to play the leading role here,” Vance stated during a conversation with Fox News host Laura Ingraham.
US Support and European Responsibility
Vance’s remarks come on the heels of US President Donald Trump’s comments, which ruled out the deployment of US troops in Ukraine but suggested potential support “by air.” The issue of post-war security guarantees for Ukraine has been a significant concern amidst Trump’s efforts to bring an end to the three-and-a-half-year-long conflict.
After a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and top European leaders at the White House, Trump reiterated that European countries would serve as the “first line of defence,” while the US would provide substantial assistance. Despite ruling out NATO membership for Ukraine, discussions have emerged about offering Kyiv a security guarantee similar to NATO’s collective defence mandate.
NATO and Security Guarantees
The proposal of a security guarantee akin to NATO’s Article 5, which treats an armed attack against one member as an attack against all, remains a contentious topic. While Trump has indicated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is open to the idea of European peacekeepers in Ukraine, Moscow has consistently rejected the notion of NATO troops near its borders.
On Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov insisted that Russia must be included in any security negotiations, cautioning that excluding Moscow would lead to a “road to nowhere.” Lavrov stated, “We cannot agree with the fact that now it is proposed to resolve questions of security, collective security, without the Russian Federation. This will not work.”
Progress and Challenges in Peace Talks
Despite these challenges, Vance highlighted the progress made by the Trump administration in its diplomatic efforts. “You can never say with certainty what the outcome in this situation is going to be,” Vance acknowledged. “But we now have the Russians talking to the Ukrainians; they’re talking details about what would be necessary on each side to stop the fighting, to stop the killing.”
The announcement comes as both sides continue to navigate the complex landscape of international diplomacy, with the goal of achieving a lasting peace agreement. As discussions progress, the role of European nations in securing Ukraine’s future remains a pivotal element of the broader strategy.
Looking ahead, the international community will be closely watching how these negotiations unfold, particularly the balance of responsibilities between Europe and the United States in ensuring a stable and peaceful post-war Ukraine. The outcome of these talks could redefine the geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe and set a precedent for international cooperation in conflict resolution.
