US offers air and intelligence support to 'postwar' forces in Ukraine

Trump told European leaders the U.S. will provide intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, command, control, and air defense assets for a European-led security force in postwar Ukraine. The UK and France will lead, deploying tens of thousands of troops, but European officials said this requires U.S. support.

Putin insists Russia must be involved in security guarantees, which Zelenskyy rejects. Trump’s offer, called “pre-decisional” by the Pentagon, lacks asset details. “We’re going to help them,” Trump said, specifying air support without U.S. troops.

Zelenskyy stated, “The pace of work must be accelerated.” Hegseth opposes U.S. participation, citing conflict risks. The U.S. would support a no-fly zone and ceasefire monitoring with satellite and radar systems, backing European troops behind Ukraine’s NATO-trained forces.

Trump’s peace push fails as Putin rejects meeting Zelenskyy, demanding territorial concessions Kyiv opposes. European capitals hesitate on troop deployments. The U.S. offer depends on European commitments and may be rescinded, per officials.