Japanese Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba has said that his country will participate in guaranteeing Ukraine’s security but remained tight-lipped on what this would involve.
Speaking to reporters at his office in Tokyo, Ishiba disclosed, “We’ll thoroughly discuss what our nation can and should do, including from the perspectives of laws and capabilities, and play an appropriate role.”
However, Ishiba stressed that Japan is “not in the phase where we can provide details” about the support it can offer Ukraine.
While not a formal member of NATO, Japan works closely with the military alliance, and Ishiba’s comments are a measure of how many Western countries are prepared to help defend Ukraine in the event of future Russian aggression, after a peace deal is struck to end Moscow’s invasion.
Following Monday’s meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House, European leaders have been discussing how they can provide security guarantees to Ukraine in the future, including by deploying a peacekeeping force.
NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte said on Monday, August 18, 2025 that 30 countries – including Japan – are working on a framework to shore up Ukraine’s security after a ceasefire or full peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow.
Future security guarantees for Ukraine were among key topics discussed on Monday at the White House. French President, Emmanuel Macron told reporters that the “first and most important” outcome of the talks was the US’ commitment to help develop security plans.
Trump said on Monday that while Europe would take the lead on security for Ukraine, the US is “going to help them out also.” “We’ll be involved,” Trump said.
However, he ruled out sending American troops to Ukraine today, Tuesday, August 19, 2025, despite expressing an openness to the idea on Monday.
In a phone interview on a news channel, Trump was asked, “What kind of assurances do you feel like you have, going forward, past this Trump administration, that it won’t be American boots on the ground defending (Ukraine’s) border?” To this, he replied, “Well, you have my assurance, and I’m President.”
A White House official confirmed on Tuesday that Trump is “emphatic” about not sending US troops to protect Ukraine. But, that person added, there are other ways for the US to ensure Kyiv is protected.
The official added that conversations regarding commitments on security guarantees are ongoing, and the specifics of what that will look like will continue to be the subject of negotiations between the US, its European allies and Ukraine.
Foreign leaders want to know what resources Trump will commit to ensure that, once a potential peace deal is reached, Russia isn’t able to regroup and go after more territory down the road.
Trump said on Tuesday that he still believes European countries are the “first line of defense” when it comes to Russian aggression in Ukraine, but that the US will be involved in helping to secure the region.
NATO Military Leaders To Meet On Ukraine
Meanwhile, a senior NATO official disclosed that NATO military leaders are expected to meet on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, afternoon to discuss Ukraine, following a meeting at the White House Monday between President Donald Trump and several key European leaders — including NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte.
The meeting — hosted by NATO’s Military Committee and announced on X by Chairman of the NATO’s Military Committee Adm. Giuseppe Cavo Dragone — will be briefed by Supreme Allied Commander Europe US Gen. Alex Grynkewich, the official said.
Dragone noted that as diplomatic efforts to secure peace in Ukraine progress, “looking forward to his [Grynkewich’s] update on the current security environment.”
Wednesday’s meeting will also come less than a week after a summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, at the end of which Trump declared no deal struck on a ceasefire.
READ ALSO: Health Minister Backs Arrest in Ridge Hospital Assault
