Europe wants U.S. fighter jets stationed in Romania as part of security guarantees for Ukraine — The Times

European countries want U.S. President Donald Trump to station U.S. F-35 fighter jets in Romania as part of security guarantees for Ukraine, The Times reported, citing sources.

The matter was discussed at a meeting between General Dan Caine, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, and military leaders from the U.K., Germany, France, Finland, and Italy. NATO’s largest base in Europe is currently under construction in Romania.

On August 19, Trump told Fox News that he would not send American troops to Ukraine to enforce a possible peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine. At the same time, he suggested Washington might be prepared to provide air support.

In addition to the deployment of fighter jets, European countries are also seeking assurances that the United States will continue to allow Ukraine to use American satellites for intelligence gathering. They believe Washington could further commit to supplying Patriot and NASAMS systems to help repel Russian attacks.

According to Bloomberg, about 10 European countries are prepared to send troops to Ukraine once the full-scale war ends. Russian officials have repeatedly said they are categorically opposed to NATO forces being stationed in Ukraine.

The Pentagon has said the United States intends to play only a minimal role in providing any security guarantees for Ukraine.