The statement of Elbridge Colby, Undersecretary of State for Defense Policy in the Defense Department, was the answer to the questions of European military commanders during the meeting chaired by General Dan Caine, chairman of the combined staffs. According to a European official and another person informed about the talks, the heads of defense departments of Great Britain, France, Germany and Finland pressed to the American side to reveal what armed forces and aircraft he intends to allocate to help Ukraine to maintain a peace agreement with Russia.
This conversation and other, convened in a hurry, the meeting of NATO leaders on Wednesday aroused the growing fears among allies that President Donald Trump would rely on Europe in ensuring a long -lasting peace after the end of the Russian invasion. This is the result of the information of six American and European officials that they pass on anonymously.
Undersecretary of State for Defense Policy in the US Department of Defense Elbridge Colby during the interrogation before the Senate Commission of the Armed Forces in Washington, DC, 4 March 2025.Nathan Posner / Anadol Agency / Anadol Agency via AFP / AFP
– It begins to reach us that Europe will have to take care of the implementation of these plans in the field – said NATO diplomat, who was informed about the talks. “The United States is not fully involved in anything.”
Meetings, which took place a few days after Trump and European leaders met with the President of Ukraine with Volodymyr Zelnski in the White House, which was a sign of unity, emphasize the huge task facing allies who consider plans to send peace forces to Ukraine and buy more American weapons for Kiev.
“We are back to the starting point”
On Monday, Trump said he was ready to send American troops to Ukraine. However, he withdrew from this declaration on Tuesday, suggesting instead that he is open to providing air support for European soldiers in this region.
“I don't know where it puts us,” said one of the European officials. – In fact, we return to the starting point from spring, when a coalition of volunteers was created – he added.
US allies in Europe seem skeptical towards Colby, who, as Politico said in June, established close cooperation with General Caine.
This year, Colby conducted a review of US ammunition wrestling, which prompted the secretary of defense Pete Hegeth to briefly freezing American military assistance for Ukraine. He has also been pressing European allies for a long time to do more to defend the continent against Russia. His presence in conversations can mean a more difficult path for Europe to secure US support in the field of security.
– Undersecretary Colby participated in yesterday [wtorkowym] The meeting to transfer the guidelines of President Trump and secretary of HegeSeth regarding security guarantee for Ukraine, because we support the president's historical efforts to end this tragic conflict – said the press spokesman of the Pentagon Kingsley Wilson in a statement. – During the meeting, Undersecretary Colby focused on the fact that the discussion reflects the position of President Trump in this matter – he added.
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Planning in the event of any scenario
Some European officials warn that meetings this week are the beginning of a series of complex negotiations and fairs, while Europe is struggling with potentially large and expensive efforts to maintain peace.
According to NATO official, the secretary general of the Alliance Mark Rutte, who took part in the meeting in the White House, informed 32 NATO members in Brussels on Wednesday and began a discussion on security guarantee in general outline.
In later hours of the day, the heads of defense of NATO countries were to have a more detailed video conference.
Members of the Alliance hope to develop real plans that they will be able to present to their political leaders – said another NATO representative. – Military planning in Europe is adapted to each scenario, even if diplomatic activities are underway in parallel – he emphasized.
The White House proposed Budapest as a possible place of Zelanski and Putin's meeting, which would be likely to be another step in the peace process. However, few officials believe that everything will go as soon as Trump claims. – The most important conclusion is that [porozumienie pokojowe] It is not coming enough – summed up one of the European officials.
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