The United States is stepping back from its primary security role in Ukraine, with President Donald Trump delegating leadership to European nations. This major policy shift was a central point in a recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
This new delegation of responsibility was solidified in an August 18 meeting between Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and European officials. Following that consensus-building meeting, Trump informed Putin of the new security architecture.
Trump’s message is that the “significant security guarantees” for Ukraine must now be a European endeavor. The U.S., he has made clear, will provide “backup” support, fundamentally changing its commitment level in the region.
This move is occurring as Trump and Putin discuss long-term strategic goals. Trump confirmed that their talks, including a meeting in Alaska on August 15, are also focused on the possibility of reducing nuclear arms after the Ukraine war concludes.