The Financial Times reports on its front page that von der Leyen said Europe is developing a "roadmap" for deploying troops in Ukraine, with security forces beginning to take shape.
U.S. support is key to the Paris summit planned this week, pushing for defense spending.
Over the weekend and today, she focused on efforts to increase defense spending and enhance military preparedness across the continent.
"President Trump assured us that the U.S. will be involved as a backstop," she said, "and this was very clear and repeatedly confirmed."
Three diplomats familiar with the plans told the Financial Times that those who met with Trump in Washington are expected to gather in Paris on Thursday at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron to continue discussions. "This is one of the most important sovereign decisions of a nation," she added, "but there is a strong sense of urgency... things are moving forward. They are really taking shape." Ursula von der Leyen said that as part of post-conflict security guarantees, there are "quite precise plans" for possible military deployments in Ukraine, and they will receive full support from U.S. capabilities. She made these remarks as European leaders' meetings this week are being prepared, where they will clarify each country's commitment to this Western force.
Ukraine has asked its Western supporters for specific security guarantees, including ground forces, as part of any peace agreement to end Russian President Vladimir Putin's war that has lasted over three and a half years. They include German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and von der Leyen. Elysee Palace declined to comment. After months of uncertainty in European capitals about the president's stance, von der Leyen praised Trump's commitment to peace efforts, which Trump has previously praised Putin and clashed with Zelenskyy. She said capitals are developing plans for "multinational forces (deployment) along with U.S. support."
The President of the European Commission said in an interview with the Financial Times that there is a "clear roadmap" for potential deployments. "Security guarantees are crucial, absolutely essential," von der Leyen said, "we have a clear roadmap, and we reached an agreement in the White House... this work is progressing very smoothly." "Trump assured us that the U.S. will be involved." These forces could include tens of thousands of personnel led by Europe, supported by U.S. assistance, including command and control systems, as well as intelligence and surveillance assets.
This was agreed upon in a meeting last month between Trump, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskyy, and senior European leaders.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1842013372847168/
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