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US security adviser: Europe's role key in Ukraine's post-war security

09.02.2025 21:00
The future security guarantees for Ukraine will depend on European nations, a senior adviser to US President Donald Trump has said, signalling a shift in Washington’s long-term role in the conflict.
Michael Waltz during the House Task Force on the Attempted Assassination of Donald J. Trump hearing, Capitol Hill, Washington, DC, September 26, 2024.
Michael Waltz during the House Task Force on the Attempted Assassination of Donald J. Trump hearing, Capitol Hill, Washington, DC, September 26, 2024.Photo: EPA/AARON SCHWART

"The Europeans have to own this conflict going forward. President Trump is going to end it. And then in terms of security guarantees, that is squarely going to be with the Europeans," US National Security Adviser Michael Waltz told NBC in an interview.

Waltz also stressed the need for a global approach to negotiations, emphasising that economic pressure could be key to bringing Russia to the table.

"Russia's economy is not doing well. He [Trump ed.] is prepared to use taxes, tariffs and sanctions," Waltz said, referring to efforts to push Moscow towards negotiations.

"We need to get all sides at the table in this war," he added, highlighting the roles of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and leaders from the Middle East in potential diplomatic efforts.

Meanwhile, President Trump confirmed on Friday that he had spoken by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the war but declined to reveal details of their conversation.

High-level talks on the war will take place next week, with US Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, and other senior officials attending key meetings in Paris, Munich and Brussels.

Discussions will focus on military aid for Ukraine and broader security cooperation.

(ał)

Source: IAR, NBC