President Donald Trump is issuing a direct challenge to Europe: take the reins on Ukraine’s security. This new policy, which positions the U.S. in a supporting role, was a key topic of a recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
This challenge was first presented to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European officials on August 18. In that meeting, Trump made it clear that the U.S. would be recalibrating its commitments in the region.
The core of Trump’s message is that the responsibility for providing “significant security guarantees” to Ukraine now rests with Europe. The United States, he explained, will be available as “backup,” but the primary leadership must come from the continent.
This new dynamic is being set against the backdrop of broader U.S.-Russia talks. Trump has also confirmed that his dialogue with Putin includes discussions about the long-term goal of reducing their nuclear arsenals following the conclusion of the Ukraine conflict.