By LORNE COOK, Associated Press

BRUSSELS (AP) — European leaders have praised President Donald Trump for agreeing to allow vital U.S. backup for a force they are mustering to police any future peace in Ukraine — a move that vastly improves the chances of an operation that could prove essential for the country’s security.

The leaders said Trump offered American backing for the European “reassurance force” during a call they held with him ahead of his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday.

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The effectiveness of the operation, drawn up by the so-called “coalition of the willing” — around 30 countries supporting Ukraine — hinges on U.S. backup with airpower or other military equipment that European armed forces do not have, or only have in short supply.

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