US, NATO Debate Security Guarantees for Ukraine: Expert Warns of European Hesitations
Washington/Moscow, Aug 21 (TTP): Officials from the United States and NATO held a virtual meeting on Wednesday to discuss possible security guarantees for Ukraine, following President Donald Trump’s White House talks with European leaders including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
While the talks projected unity, experts suggest the issue of long-term guarantees remains contentious—not because of Moscow, but because of hesitation within Europe’s own ranks.
“Recurring Donation” Problem for Europe
Speaking exclusively to IANS, Mikhail Troitskiy, visiting Professor at Tufts University’s Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, said that Western unity on Ukraine could weaken when questions of sustained funding and troop deployment arise.
“Some European countries would want to provide a couple of $100 million, or maybe a billion dollars, to support Ukraine. But not many would want to put troops on the ground and get involved in actual fighting if Ukraine is attacked by Russia again,” Troitskiy explained.
He added that Russia has no veto power over security guarantees:
“Russia’s position on security guarantees seems to be irrelevant. This is something decided between Ukraine and its Western partners.”
Trump as “Mediator, Not Partisan”
Troitskiy described Trump’s approach as more mediator than Ukraine supporter, noting that the recent US-Europe meetings were largely symbolic.
“It was a show of unity, although almost no details were disclosed… European leaders tried to stand by Ukraine but did not provide any clarity on the extent of risks and financial commitments they are prepared to shoulder.”
NATO-Style Pledge Still in Question
Earlier this week, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni renewed calls for NATO-style Article 5 commitments for Ukraine, but Trump ruled out US troops on the ground. Instead, he hinted at possible air support as part of any security guarantees.
Territorial Concessions on the Table?
On negotiations with Russia, Troitskiy noted a shift in Kyiv’s stance:
“The Ukrainian position has now shifted from no territorial concessions to proportionate territorial concessions. My guess is Putin will propose swapping the unoccupied part of Donbas or something in the south for territories that are currently under Russian occupation, such as in Kherson. But Zelensky will not just unilaterally give up Donetsk.”
Currently, Russia controls nearly 20% of Ukrainian territory, including almost all of Luhansk, three-fourths of Donetsk, and over 70% of Kherson province.
India May Face Secondary Sanctions
Troitskiy also predicted that US secondary sanctions on India for buying Russian oil are set to take effect on August 27, though he ruled out similar actions against China.
“Little progress will be achieved before August 27. India will try to manoeuvre out of the situation. I don’t think Trump is going to put additional tariffs on China for the time being.”
He added that Trump still holds multiple tools to pressure Moscow, including targeting Russian banks and cryptocurrency traders through expanded sanctions.
Outlook
As discussions continue, Ukraine’s Western allies face a difficult balance: demonstrating unity while managing diverging levels of willingness to commit militarily and financially. For now, Russia watches from the sidelines, but the real test lies within Europe’s capacity for sustained support.
— TheTrendingPeople.com