The Pentagon is actively engaged in planning exercises to extend U.S. support for Ukraine beyond the provision of weapons, as reported by Reuters on August 19, 2025. This shift comes in response to President Donald Trump’s pledge to bolster Ukraine’s security as part of negotiations to end Russia’s ongoing war. U.S. officials have emphasized that these efforts focus on post-conflict security guarantees, exploring options that could ensure Ukraine’s long-term stability without escalating tensions with the Kremlin. The planning is still in early stages, with officials cautioning that any measures must be militarily feasible and acceptable to Russia, reflecting the delicate balance of supporting Ukraine while avoiding broader conflict.

One proposed option involves deploying European troops to Ukraine under U.S. command and control, according to two sources familiar with the discussions. These forces would operate under their own national flags rather than a NATO banner, a distinction intended to mitigate Russia’s concerns about NATO’s direct involvement, which Moscow has adamantly opposed. Russia’s Foreign Ministry has explicitly ruled out NATO troop deployments as part of any peace deal, highlighting the geopolitical sensitivities at play. This arrangement would leverage European willingness to contribute ground forces while utilizing U.S. leadership and advanced military capabilities, though details remain sparse and the feasibility of such a plan is under scrutiny due to logistical and political complexities.

NATO military leaders are set to convene virtually on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, to discuss Ukraine’s security guarantees and chart the path forward, as confirmed by U.S. and NATO officials. The meeting, led by U.S. Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich, who oversees NATO operations in Europe, will include a briefing on recent talks between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. President Trump has explicitly ruled out deploying U.S. troops to Ukraine but suggested possible air support, such as providing air defense systems or enforcing a no-fly zone, stating, “nobody has stuff we have.” This stance aligns with his push for European nations to take a leading role in ground operations, with the U.S. providing coordination and aerial capabilities, though questions remain about the practicality and Russian response to such measures.