A senior Pentagon official has said that the US intends to play a minimal role in providing security guarantees to Ukraine, Politico reports, citing sources.
US Deputy Secretary of Defence for Policy Elbridge Colby made this statement at a meeting with military commanders from the United Kingdom, Germany, Finland and France. He was responding to a question from NATO allies about what forces and aircraft the US was prepared to provide to support a possible peace agreement with Russia.
According to Politico, Colby’s words were one of the most direct signals that European countries should take primary responsibility for maintaining lasting peace in Ukraine.
Discussions on security guarantees for Ukraine were also held at meetings in the White House attended by the US and Ukrainian presidents, as well as leaders from a number of European countries. A package of guarantees is expected to be prepared in the coming days.
