Trump, Europe discuss deploying private army to Ukraine: Telegraph
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US-Europe security guarantees, rare earth mineral deals, and talks with Putin are shaping the proposal.
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Ukrainian servicemen of the 15th Army Corps stand by an armed pickup truck during night duty in the Chernihiv region, Ukraine, late Tuesday, Aug 12, 2025 (AP)
The Telegraph has revealed exclusive details of US President Donald Trump’s emerging Ukraine peace plan, which explores the deployment of American private military contractors as part of a long-term security arrangement.
The plan seeks to balance Trump’s campaign promise of avoiding regular US troop deployments while still ensuring American involvement in a future ceasefire agreement with Russia.
According to The Telegraph, American private military firms could play a central role in Ukraine’s post-war security framework. These contractors would be tasked with fortifications, base construction, and protecting US business interests, echoing strategies used in Iraq and Afghanistan.
A Whitehall source told The Telegraph that placing private contractors “puts American ‘boots’, ie American passport holders, on the ground, which is then effectively the deterrent to Putin.” This approach would allow Trump to satisfy his MAGA base while providing opportunities tied to Ukraine’s vast mineral and rare earth wealth.
Multi-layered security framework backed by Europe, US
European officials told The Telegraph that Trump’s Ukraine peace plan envisions strengthening Ukraine’s armed forces as the primary line of defense in case of future wars with Russia. Ukrainian troops would defend reinforced border positions with training and logistical support from NATO allies.
Ukraine is also expected to continue purchasing US defense systems such as Patriot air-defense batteries and HIMARS launchers, with European allies covering the costs, thus ensuring sustained American arms sales while shifting financial responsibility to Europe.
European peacekeeping role
The plan also considers a European-led reassurance force deeper inside Ukraine. While initial proposals discussed 30,000 troops, The Telegraph reports this number has been scaled back to avoid appearing “too muscular” toward Russia. Countries including Britain, France, Germany, Belgium, and the Baltic states have expressed interest, though firm commitments remain limited.
Discussions also involve a possible demilitarized buffer zone. Ukraine reportedly favors European troops in such a zone, while Moscow has floated China as a guarantor. Trump even reportedly suggested Chinese peacekeepers to European leaders, though this has faced strong resistance from both Europe and Ukraine.
Air, naval operations in Lvov, Black Sea
European allies are considering a phased no-fly zone beginning with western Ukrainian cities, such as Lvov, expanding eastward as trust in a ceasefire builds.
In the Black Sea, Turkey is expected to lead a naval mission securing shipping lanes, supported by Bulgaria and Romania. The priority would be reopening Ukrainian exports and clearing mines from key maritime routes.
Trump-Putin talks and rare earth mineral interests
The Telegraph reports that the roots of Trump’s Ukraine peace plan trace back to Washington’s economic interests, particularly rare earth mineral access. Earlier, Trump offered Putin economic incentives at the Alaska summit, including sanctions relief and potential energy deals, but these proposals were withdrawn due to Moscow’s reluctance to agree to a ceasefire.
Future outlook
European officials remain skeptical that Vladimir Putin is serious about a ceasefire. Russia has dismissed Western security guarantees as “one-sided” and aimed at containing Moscow. Concerns also remain about Trump’s reliability, with some doubting whether future US administrations would uphold his commitments.
Despite these obstacles, European planners have accelerated preparations after Trump signaled that Putin might be open to security guarantees. Final details of the package could be announced as early as this weekend, according to The Telegraph.
The Telegraph’s report underscores that Trump’s Ukraine peace plan, built around private military contractors, European peacekeeping, and economic incentives, could mark one of the most ambitious US overseas missions since Iraq and Afghanistan.
