US Vice-President JD Vance says Europe must take 'lion's share' of Ukraine's security burden

US Vice President JD Vance said European countries should shoulder the “lion’s share” of responsibility — financially and militarily — for Ukraine’s future security guarantees.

“I don’t think we should carry the burden here,” he told Fox News’ The Ingraham Angle, adding that Washington could be “helpful” if needed to stop the war but expects Europe to “play the leading role.”

Vance’s comments align with President Donald Trump’s recent position: the United States will not deploy ground troops to enforce a peace arrangement in Ukraine, though limited air support could be considered as part of any deal.

Reuters reported Trump’s stance this week as discussions continue over possible security assurances tied to efforts to end the conflict.

European allies, meanwhile, are exploring ways to reinforce deterrence on NATO’s eastern flank. Multiple reports say European military leaders have urged the US to base F-35 jets in Romania as part of a broader package, one that could also involve intelligence, missile, and air-defense support.

These proposals remain under discussion and would be led primarily by European funding and implementation.

Vance framed Ukraine’s long-term security as chiefly a European responsibility, reflecting an emphasis on regional allies taking the lead, with the US playing a supporting role rather than providing open-ended financing.

The approach mirrors broader administration messaging that future assistance should be bounded and conditional, not a “blank check.”

While Kyiv has sought strong guarantees from Western partners, the precise contours, who pays, what forces or capabilities are committed, and how any air-support option would be triggered remain to be negotiated.

For now, Washington’s public signals point to no US ground deployments, possible air power in specific scenarios, and a clear expectation that Europe leads in underwriting Ukraine’s security.