The future of Ukraine’s security was a key topic in a recent phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The call, confirmed by Trump, followed a summit with Ukrainian and European leaders.
Trump told reporters the conversation took place after he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on August 18. The aim of the Washington meeting was to formulate a plan for long-term security assurances for the war-torn nation.
According to the President, the United States is prepared to assist but will not be the primary guarantor of Ukraine’s security. That role, he insisted, should be filled by Europe. He stated the U.S. would provide “backup” to a European-led security framework.
In his comments, Trump also reflected on an earlier meeting with Putin. He revealed that during an August 15 meeting in Alaska, they discussed the long-term goal of nuclear disarmament between their two countries, which could be pursued once the Ukraine conflict is resolved.