The US has requested detailed proposals from European capitals on the weaponry, peacekeeping troops, and security arrangements they can provide Ukraine as part of security guarantees to end the war with Russia.
The request was sent to capitals this week, as reported by four western officials briefed on the document. European leaders have demanded to be part of negotiations between Trump and Putin announced on Wednesday.
One official stated, “This [document] is the way that we make sure we are involved.”
The questionnaire, sent by the US State Department, aims to assess Europe’s willingness to protect Kyiv after a peace settlement and the price Europe is willing to pay to be involved in negotiations with Moscow.
The State Department sought information on military hardware European capitals could provide and the number of troop brigades they would be willing to deploy.
A US official mentioned, “The cable poses a number of general questions and requests specific proposals or ideas for what a Europe-led security arrangement might look like.”
The request comes ahead of a visit to European capitals by Trump’s Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg, starting next week in Brussels.
Kellogg was not initially listed by the president as part of the four-man US team for talks with Moscow, raising questions about his involvement in Trump’s peace efforts.
US officials clarified that Kellogg, along with others, is providing options to Trump, the ultimate decision maker.
Kellogg stated at the Munich Security Conference that the discussions were “a two-track process.”
While Kellogg’s influence was questioned, a US official highlighted his upcoming trips and engagements in Europe, indicating his leading role in the peace efforts.
The US has indicated willingness to accommodate some of Putin’s demands by limiting Ukraine’s NATO aspirations and territorial ambitions.
Trump’s envoy Kellogg expressed doubt about European involvement in peace negotiations but emphasized conversations with European capitals to ensure their perspectives are considered.
One senior western official suggested Russia has little interest in dealing with Kellogg due to his focus on guarantees for Ukraine’s security rather than financial concessions from Kyiv.
Russian sources indicated that Kellogg may have been sidelined in negotiations in favor of other US officials who have better connections with Trump and a stronger grasp of the issues.
Despite concerns about Kellogg’s role, some western officials and a former senior Russian official suggested that he could still play a significant part in the peace process.
