US support essential for European security guarantees to Ukraine, Rutte says / The New Voice of Ukraine

European plans to ensure Ukraine’s post-war security by deploying a force contingent to the country would still require U.S. auxiliary support, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said on Feb. 20.

The secretary made the statement during a visit to Bratislava, Slovakia.

“Reliable security guarantees provided by European countries require support from the United States, not necessarily with ground forces, but overall, we still need U.S. backing to ensure effective deterrence,” Barron’s quoted Rutte.

The UK and France are forging a plan to deploy a sizeable force—about 30,000 troops—to provide air and naval security around major Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure. The deployment would take place if Washington manages to secure some kind of a deal with Moscow to end hostilities in Ukraine.

At the same time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Feb. 13 that it would take at least 100,000 peacekeepers to effectively deter future Russian aggression.

On Feb. 16, UK PM Keir Starmer declared he is "ready and willing" to send British troops to Ukraine to support the enforcement of any peace agreement.