Four Perspectives on Ukraine's Security Assurance: US Draws Line on Troop Deployment, Europe Pushes for Multinational Forces... Russia Opposes NATO Troop Presence

[New York=Lee Byung-chul Correspondent] The US, Europe, and Ukraine have begun serious discussions on post-war security assurances for Ukraine. The US supports Ukraine's security assurance but has drawn a line on deploying US troops. Europe has mentioned the participation of peacekeeping forces involving major countries worldwide. Russia firmly opposes the presence of foreign troops in Ukraine.
■ US Draws Line on Troop Deployment
Caroline Levitt, White House spokesperson, stated on the 19th (local time), "The national security team has been instructed to cooperate with European allies and establish a framework for (Ukraine's) security assurance." The US media Axios reported that a trilateral committee of the US, Europe, and Ukraine has been formed, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Secretary Rubio mentioned that a concrete structure for security assurance would be established by the end of this week.
The US and Europe are considering a security assurance similar to the collective defense commitment of Article 5 of the NATO treaty, without allowing Ukraine's NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) membership. Article 5 of NATO symbolizes the core principle that an armed attack against one NATO member is considered an attack against all members.
President Trump clearly opposed the deployment of US troops in Ukraine. In an interview with Fox News, he emphasized, "There will be no US troops setting foot on Ukrainian soil," and added, "As long as I am president, it is certain." However, he left open the possibility of air defense support. He stated, "Europe wants to send troops to Ukraine. We want to help them," and added, "We can mention air defense support." 
■ Common Goals of Europe and Ukraine
The goals of Europe and Ukraine are the same: to ensure that Russia cannot invade Ukraine for years. According to CNN, President Zelensky has insisted that any agreement must include a promise from the US and Europe to prevent Russian airstrikes within 1-2 years. In a meeting at the White House the previous day, he emphasized, "Security assurance is the key issue and the starting point to end the war." 
Europe wants to support Ukraine with NATO's strength but assesses that its capabilities are insufficient. Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the UK repeatedly confirmed the deployment of troops centered on the UK and France, but discussions followed on establishing an international security force involving about 30 countries. It is judged that it is difficult to support Ukraine's security with European forces alone. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte also confirmed this on the 18th. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stated on the 19th that Japan is "currently discussing" whether it is involved in providing security assurance to Ukraine, adding, "We will review what is possible legally and in terms of capabilities."
■ Russia Opposes NATO Troop Presence
Russia has repeatedly claimed that NATO member troops cannot be stationed on Ukrainian territory. Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated on the 19th, "We reject the scenario of deploying NATO member troops." Mikhail Ulyanov, Russian ambassador to Vienna, emphasized on the 18th, "Moscow also has the right to receive security assurances." Russia confirmed that the presence of NATO troops in Ukraine is an absolutely unacceptable card.


pride@fnnews.com Lee Byung-chul Reporter