European countries must bear "the lion's share" of the burden for Ukraine's security, said US Vice President J.D. Vance. The statement, made to "Fox News", is of exceptional importance in the context of former President Donald Trump's efforts to end the conflict. Vance's position, reported by Reuters and BTA, reflects Washington's growing desire to shift more responsibility onto its allies.
I don't think we should carry the burden there. I think we should, if necessary, help stop the war and the killing. But in my opinion, and certainly these are the expectations of the president as well, Europe should play the leading role there
Vance pointed out. He emphasized that regardless of the future form of the situation, the main burden must fall on the European countries, as it is their continent and their security. "The president was very clear – they will have to take their part", he added.
This statement comes against the backdrop of the ongoing military conflict, in which Russia has occupied about one-fifth of Ukraine's territory. According to Vance, Moscow wants to annex some Ukrainian territories, "most of which it has already occupied, but some of which it has not".
Donald Trump's Position
Donald Trump, who seeks to end the war, has expressed the view that "territory swaps" and territorial changes will be of crucial importance for any settlement of the conflict. This position differs from Kyiv's firm stance. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that his country does not want to cede its lands, a view also enshrined in the constitution of Ukraine. For now, however, Ukraine does not have the necessary military and diplomatic resources to force Russia to withdraw in the short term.
One of Kyiv's main priorities is to obtain guarantees that Russian aggression will not be repeated in the future. Trump has allowed for the possibility of providing air support, but is adamant that he will not deploy American troops on the ground.
Vice President Vance's statement is also a reflection of Trump's general dissatisfaction with the fact that the US is providing Kyiv with billions of dollars in military aid. In this regard, the White House has already stated that Washington will not continue to "sign blank checks" to finance Ukraine's defense. Trump's desire is to transfer a significant part of these costs to the European allies.
Coalition of the Willing
In response to the need for security, European allies have already created a "coalition of the willing" with the aim of providing forces to guarantee Ukraine's security. These efforts are aimed at assuming greater responsibility, which coincides with the expectations expressed by the American leadership.
- Vance's position aligns with that of Donald Trump.
- Trump seeks to transfer the costs of Ukraine's defense to European allies.
- Kyiv does not want to cede territories.
- The US will not deploy troops on the ground, but allows for air support.
- European allies have created a "coalition of the willing" for Ukraine's security.