Ukraine must have reliable security guarantees to effectively defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the statement published on the European Commission’s website read. “We welcome President Trump’s statement that the United States is prepared to offer such guarantees.

Trump told Zelensky and European leaders that "NATO should not be part of these security guarantees" for postwar Ukraine, according to French President Emmanuel Macron.

Russia wants to include the topic of a reduction of NATO troops presence in any conversations about the future of Ukraine, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk told reporters on Wednesday.

As the front lines froze, and air defenses got better, Russia and Ukraine pivoted away from close bombing runs to standoff attacks.