NextFin news, On August 20, 2025, US Vice President JD Vance stated in an interview with Fox News that European countries must take the primary responsibility for providing security guarantees to Ukraine. Vance emphasized that regardless of the form these guarantees take, Europe will have to shoulder the lion's share of the burden. He added that the United States should assist if necessary to end the war and the killing, but the US President expects Europe to play the leading role in this effort.
The statement was made amid ongoing discussions about Ukraine's security following the Russian invasion that began in February 2022. Ukraine is actively working on a security concept for the post-war period, with its military teams already engaged in developing the military component of these guarantees, according to Andrij Jermak, Chief of Staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj.
Jermak also noted that Ukraine and its allies are preparing plans in case Russia prolongs the conflict. These efforts include consultations with national security advisors from Germany, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Finland, the European Union, and NATO.
Meanwhile, NATO military chiefs have discussed possible security guarantees for Ukraine as part of a peace solution with Russia. Italian Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, reported a united and proactive participation from member states in these discussions.
European countries, along with partners such as Japan and Australia, have pledged support for a coalition force that could secure a peace agreement in Ukraine. The role of the United States in this security force remains unclear, with US President Donald Trump ruling out sending soldiers to defend Ukraine against Russia.
In related developments, Sweden has expressed readiness to contribute to peace in Ukraine through airspace surveillance and maritime security, as stated by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. He emphasized that the goal is to ensure Ukraine can credibly take responsibility for its own security to prevent future aggression.
The call for Europe to lead security guarantees comes amid ongoing Russian military actions, including recent airstrikes with combat drones on Ukrainian territory. Ukrainian air defenses were active in the capital Kyiv and other regions during these attacks.
These statements and developments highlight the evolving international approach to Ukraine's security and the expectation that Europe will assume a central role in guaranteeing peace and stability in the region.
Sources: FAZ (https://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/ukraine/ukraine-liveticker-europa-muss-laut-vance-hauptlast-fuer-sicherheitsgarantien-tragen-faz-110172806.html), T-Online (https://www.t-online.de/nachrichten/ukraine/id_100871368/ukraine-vance-europa-muss-loewenanteil-uebernehmen.html), in.gr (https://www.in.gr/2025/08/21/world/oukrania-stin-eyropi-merida-tou-leontos-os-pros-tis-eggyiseis-asfaleias-dilonei-o-vans/), Bluewin News (https://www.bluewin.ch/en/news/international/vance-europe-must-bear-the-lions-share-of-security-guarantees-nato-alerts-german-eurofighters-in-romania-2613065.html).
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