Ukraine-Russia war latest: Kyiv’s allies urge Trump to deploy fighter jets to Romania as security guarantee

 European countries are reportedly pressing US president Donald Trump to send fighter jets to Romania as part of security guarantees for Ukraine.

Military chiefs from several countries are discussing the use of American F-35s in Romania, where Nato is building its largest European airbase, to deter Russia from reinvading, according to The Times.

Mr Trump has ruled out sending American troops to Ukraine but said he was willing to provide air support.

A small group of military leaders held discussions in Washington on Wednesday to work out options for security guarantees, an official said, shortly after a bigger virtual meeting wrapped up.

Meanwhile, Russia’s foreign minister Sergei Lavrov criticised European leaders for “rather clumsy” and “unethical” attempts to challenge the US president, adding: “We did not hear any constructive ideas from the Europeans there.”

Mr Lavrov added that Russia believed security guarantees should be ensured on an equal basis with the participation of countries such as China, the United States, Britain and France, a Russian news agency said.

The US is reportedly eyeing Budapest as a location for a possible meeting between Mr Zelensky and Mr Putin.

Key Points

US prepares to host Putin-Zelensky meeting in Budapest

Zelensky-Putin meeting 'better without me', says Trump

Trump backs foreign boots and air support for Ukraine

What could US and Europe security guarantees look like for Ukraine?

Putin suggests Moscow as potential meeting grounds

What security guarantees may look like

03:55 , Jane Dalton

International “reassurance” forces could be deployed in Ukraine after a ceasefire or peace deal:

Key territories Putin wants handed over

02:00 , Jane Dalton

Russia occupies nearly 20 per cent of Ukraine already. See our map of occupied territories that it wants:

Is the UK ready to put boots on the ground in Ukraine?

00:30 , Jane Dalton

See how Britain’s military equipment and defence spending have changed over time: