US and NATO officials stated on Tuesday (August 19) that NATO military leaders are expected to meet on Wednesday to discuss the Ukraine issue and future development. Meanwhile, the United States and various European countries are discussing the specifics of providing security guarantees to Ukraine.
According to reports from Reuters, US President Trump promised at a White House summit on Monday to provide security guarantees to Ukraine to help end the war, which has encouraged Ukraine and its European allies. However, many undecided questions still remain regarding the specific details.
As military planners begin to study potential security guarantee options, Trump ruled out the possibility of deploying US troops to Ukraine but hinted at offering some form of aerial support.
On Wednesday, US Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich will brief defense ministers from various countries on the outcome of Trump’s meeting with Russian President Putin in Alaska last week. Grynkewich is responsible for overseeing all NATO operations in Europe.
NATO Military Committee Chairman Giuseppe Cavo Dragone stated that a video conference will be held on Wednesday.
Dragone said on the social media platform X, “With progress in diplomatic efforts to ensure peace in Ukraine, we look forward to Grynkewich providing the latest information on the current security environment.”
Officials noted that this meeting is being held under special circumstances and is expected to discuss issues such as security guarantees.
A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is expected to attend the meeting, though plans may be subject to change. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to media requests for comment.
The UK government stated that the “Coalition of the Willing” has reached a consensus, and the planning team of this coalition will meet with US counterparts in the coming days to advance plans for providing security guarantees to Ukraine. The “Coalition of the Willing” held an online meeting on Tuesday.
Earlier on Tuesday, Trump ruled out the possibility of deploying US troops in Ukraine but hinted during an interview with Fox News that the US could provide aerial support to Ukraine.
“When it comes to security, Europe is willing to send ground troops (to Ukraine), we are willing to help them, especially in terms of aerial support because no one has what we have, really, they don’t.” Trump said, yet he did not provide any further details.
The US can provide aerial support in various ways. Simple measures could include providing more air defense systems to Ukraine or more involved participation, such as US fighter jets carrying out some form of no-fly zone mission.
Officials told Reuters that the Pentagon is training and planning for the types of support Washington might offer, which goes beyond providing weapons. Ukrainian President Zelensky stated after meeting with Trump and European leaders on Monday that Ukraine’s security guarantees could be established within 10 days.