
Donald Trump is in talks with European allies about allowing armed contractors to help build fortifications to protect American interests in the country.
The plan is being devised as a workaround after the US president promised that American troops would not be stationed in Ukraine.
US contractors could be deployed to help rebuild Ukraine’s front-line defences, new bases and protect US businesses.
The presence of private soldiers would act as a deterrent to discourage Vladimir Putin from breaking an eventual ceasefire.
The plan is being discussed alongside a range of other so-called security guarantees – drawn up by the coalition of the willing led by the UK and France – that will form the basis of a long-term peace plan.