Von der Leyen: precise plan to send troops for Kiev security. Towards US-Russia-Ukraine trilateral talks

Europe has 'a rather precise plan' for sending troops to Ukraine. This was stated by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in an interview with the Financial Times, emphasising that security guarantees for Ukraine are of primary importance to Europe, which, she assured, would be supported by the United States. There is a 'clear roadmap' for possible deployments, she said. "Security guarantees are fundamental and absolutely crucial," von der Leyen added. "We have a clear roadmap and an agreement at the White House, this work is going very well," she stressed. Von der Leyen went on to say that European capitals are working on plans for "a multinational troop deployment and American support". "President Trump has reassured us that there will be an American presence as part of the backstop," he said. "This has been very clear and repeatedly reiterated," he added.

Last week, the defence chiefs of the coalition of the willing met and 'drew up quite precise plans', von der Leyen said, referring to the 'necessary elements for an effective troop build-up. Of course, there is always a need for the political decision of the respective country, because deploying troops is one of the most important sovereign decisions of a nation,' he added. But the sense of urgency is very strong, we are moving forward. Von der Leyen praised Trump's commitment to participate in the peace efforts after months of uncertainty in European capitals over the US president's position. "Putin hasn't changed, he is a predator," he said, stressing instead that Trump "wants peace and Putin won't sit at the negotiating table." Von der Leyen added that "in recent months we have had several meetings where it was obvious that he can rely on the Europeans," he added. "It is clear that when we say something, we do it," he concluded.

Donald Trump, in an interview with the Daily Caller, basically confirmed von der Leyen's words and hinted at a possible turning point in the war. The US president evokedthe use of US aircraft as a security guarantee to facilitate an end to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. "Maybe we will do something. I would like to see a solution," he said, clarifying that it would not be US soldiers sent to the front, but logistical support. "It is not our soldiers, but there are five to seven thousand young men dying every week. If I could stop this and fly a plane every now and then, it would mainly be up to the Europeans, but we would help them'.

Besides military support, Trump opened up about a possible summit: "A trilateral could happen", he said referring to a meeting between Vladimir Putin, Volodymyr Zelensky and himself. A direct face-to-face meeting between the leaders of Russia and Ukraine, however, seems unlikely: "You know, sometimes people are not ready".

On the ground, Ukraine announced the liberation of the village of Myrne, near Kupyansk in Kharkiv oblast. The Russian positions previously allowed control of the road to Kupyansk, a strategic town east of Kharkiv. "The Russians have been driven out of Myrne. Our forces are advancing further," confirmed Viktor Trehubov, spokesman for the Dnipro Strategic-Operational Group.