Western countries, as part of the plan to support Ukraine after the conclusion of a peace agreement, are considering the creation of three lines of defense, the Financial Times (FT) has revealed.
The first includes a demilitarized zone, which is likely to be patrolled by neutral peacekeeping forces from a third country, in agreement with Ukraine and Russia.
After that, as expected, the border protection will be provided by Ukrainian troops equipped with weapons and trained by NATO. As a third line of defense, it is proposed to use an EU-led deterrent force, which will be deployed deep inside Ukraine. They will be supported from the rear by American forces.
At the same time, the FT notes that the United States continues to oppose the deployment of its troops on the territory of Ukraine.
According to sources in the newspaper, some representatives of the Donald Trump administration, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegsett, are skeptical about any participation in security guarantees in the event of a peace agreement, fearing that the United States could be drawn into a possible future conflict.
Earlier this week, Trump said that the details of security guarantees for Kiev had not yet been discussed. Last week, the president told Fox News that the United States was "ready to help" to European forces, "especially, probably, from the air".
According to the FT, the US could provide intelligence, surveillance, command and control resources, as well as participate in the European-led program to develop Ukraine's air defense system.