Washington- US President Donald Trump said Monday that Europe should take the lead in providing “significant security guarantees” to Ukraine, with Washington playing only a backup role. Speaking at the Oval Office, Trump emphasized that Europe is directly affected by the conflict and “should” take primary responsibility.

Trump has repeatedly clarified Washington’s position. Last week, after talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, he said Ukraine reclaiming Crimea or joining NATO is “impossible,” noting that Russia has always opposed NATO expansion on its border.

Zelensky said new details of security guarantees will be ready soon, with teams from Ukraine, the US, and Europe working together. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also called such guarantees “essential,” stressing Europe’s role, while confirming US support would remain limited.

Ukraine seeks NATO-style guarantees, including commitments for ground support, air defense, maritime security, and funding for its military. Some nations have suggested sending peacekeepers, and Canada has not ruled out troops. Washington rejected ground deployments but left open the possibility of air support.

Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed Ukraine’s security must be ensured but warned against solutions that exclude Moscow. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called foreign military intervention “absolutely unacceptable” and insisted guarantees must come through consensus.