---
title: "The US handed over the reins: Europe became the main guarantor of Ukraine's defense"
description: "Deputy Secretary of the Pentagon Elbridge Colby stated that Europe has successfully taken on the leading role in supporting Ukraine. According to him, this has helped improve the situation on the front, but further stable assistance from allies is critical for victory. 🇺🇸🇪🇺🇺🇦"
date: 2026-06-18T16:56:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/us-hands-over-reins-europe-becomes-main-guarantor-of-ukraine-defense
tags: []
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# The US handed over the reins: Europe became the main guarantor of Ukraine's defense

![Ukrainian soldier in camouflage with an emblem on the sleeve aiming a rifle in the forest, symbolizing Europe's transition to becoming the main guarantor of Ukraine's defense](https://xab.info/media/2026/06/18/sша-передали-европе-главную-роль-v-podderzhke-ukrainy/sша-передали-европе-главную-роль-v-podderzhke-ukrainy-1.webp)

Washington has officially recognized a paradigm shift in support for Kyiv: the leading role in ensuring Ukraine's defense has passed to European allies. This was stated by US Deputy Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby, emphasizing that the future of the conflict now depends directly on the actions of NATO countries in the Old World.

### Successful transfer of responsibility

According to the American official, US policy aimed at shifting the bulk of responsibility for aiding Kyiv to Europe has proven effective. Over the past year, European partners have not only taken on the financial burden but have also supplied Ukraine with their own weaponry.

Colby noted that this transition was not accidental but led to concrete tactical results. The situation on the front, he said, has even improved: Ukrainian forces managed to hold the front line and strengthen their positions in several key sectors.

### The psychology of war and the cost of error

The Deputy Secretary of the Pentagon is confident that current actions are laying the foundation for future peace. The main task now is to convey to Moscow the understanding that continuing the war is not only morally condemnable but also economically unprofitable. As Colby emphasized, this conflict is ceasing to be a profitable enterprise for Russia.

However, despite successes, the US side warns of risks. Ukraine's defense is holding, but its preservation critically depends on constant and stable support. Washington is calling on allies to back up words with actions, noting that European security depends directly on Kyiv's ability to contain aggression.

### Assessment of the situation in Europe and on the front

The thesis that Russia has reached a dead end is supported by other Western leaders. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius previously stated that Vladimir Putin has found himself in a strategic dead end, and the conflict is causing Moscow increasing damage.

These assessments are confirmed by data from the line of contact. The Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that the number of assault operations by Russian troops has significantly decreased. Experts link this to successful strikes by Ukrainian defenders on enemy logistics, which paralyzes the adversary's ability to launch large-scale offensives.