In a significant diplomatic shift, the United States is now actively discussing the potential deployment of American ground forces to Ukraine as part of a future peace agreement. This development, which marks a major boost for Kyiv, was confirmed by both Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
A Sensational Turnaround in Security Guarantees
The discussions represent a sensational turnaround in the Western approach to the conflict. The White House appears ready to commit to putting "boots on the ground" should Russia violate any negotiated peace settlement. This US commitment is seen as a crucial element that could convince the Ukrainian government to end the conflict, even if it involves territorial sacrifices in the eastern provinces.
However, a key sticking point in the talks remains the duration of these security guarantees. The United States has reportedly offered a commitment lasting 15 years, while Ukraine is pushing for a significantly longer period of protection.
Putin on the Backfoot and Drone Claims Dismissed
This prospective agreement would place Russian President Vladimir Putin in a difficult position, as he remains vehemently opposed to any Western military presence in Ukraine. The news follows a claim by Moscow that Ukraine attacked Putin's private residence in Novgorod with 91 drones.
However, serious doubts have emerged over the Kremlin's narrative. Since the initial allegation, which prompted former US President Donald Trump to condemn Ukraine, no evidence has been produced to substantiate the claims. Ukraine has dismissed the incident as "lies" intended to undermine ongoing peace efforts.
Pathway to Peace and NATO's Role
Following a meeting of NATO leaders in Berlin, Polish leader Donald Tusk suggested the US was prepared to engage militarily if Russia breaches any future peace terms. "Peace is on the horizon," Tusk stated, adding that recent developments provide grounds for hope that the war could end "quite quickly," though he cautioned it was far from certain.
Tusk cited the prospective US security guarantees as the prime reason the conflict could conclude, noting they could "include the presence of American troops along the contact line between Ukraine and Russia" after a deal is reached. He described these as "fairly unambiguous declarations" appearing for the first time.
This move also strengthens the positions of Britain and France, which have been the only nations to date to agree in principle to send land forces to Ukraine if fighting ceases. Meanwhile, President Zelensky has expressed his readiness to meet Putin in a bilateral summit, signalling a potential diplomatic opening amidst the talks of hardened security guarantees.
