President Donald Trump declared Tuesday that the United States will not deploy troops to Ukraine for any peacekeeping mission. He provided this unequivocal response on Tuesday morning following a day of conflicting signals. The remark resolves one of the most important questions following his White House meetings with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and some European leaders. This is breaking news about US troops for Ukraine, and Trump excludes US troops.
I can tell you, there will be no American boots on the ground,” Trump told a TV interviewer. On Monday, he’d told reporters he would “let you know,” leaving an ambiguity. His latest remark eliminates that ambiguity.
Europe to take the lead on the ground, the US can assist in the air
Trump stated that European allies would provide the lead if a Ukrainian peacekeeping force is established as part of an agreement. He identified the UK, France, and Germany as nations willing to send troops. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the UK’s “coalition of the willing” stands ready to send in troops if there is a signed peace agreement.
The White House indicated the US could still provide assistance from the air. America, Trump stated, could offer assistance in the air due to having better aircraft and technology. The press secretary further noted air support is “an option.” Briefly: no US ground troops, but potential US air assistance if necessary as part of security guarantees for Ukraine.
Push for a Putin–Zelensky meeting
Trump also stated that he had called Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday evening. He is attempting to schedule an in-person meeting between Putin and Zelensky “within two weeks.” Geneva has been proposed as a location by Switzerland. Swiss officials indicated that they could provide the resolution of legal matters so negotiations can occur.
Trump indicated that he thinks that the two sides are “getting along a little better than I thought,” and he hopes to hasten a deal through direct talks. Zelensky said he hopes that a plan for security guarantees will soon be available once terms are established.
Sticking points remain
Trump stated that Ukraine will not enter NATO and will not regain Crimea as part of any agreement. Kyiv has indicated that it is not surrendering its territory and that security guarantees need to be robust. Russia has insisted on constraints on Ukraine’s military. These are significant chasms to overcome. Nevertheless, leaders indicated that the focus is to halt the killings and transition to a stable ceasefire with a force to be led by European countries, not the United States.
FAQs
- Did Trump affirm that no US troops will travel to Ukraine?
Yes. He stated there would not be American boots on the ground for a Ukrainian peacekeeping force.
- Would the US provide assistance in other forms?
Yes. The White House responded that US air cover is conceivable as part of security assurances for Ukraine.
- Who would send ground troops?
European allies, including the UK, France, and Germany, are likely to command any peace force if an agreement is signed.
- Will Putin and Zelensky meet soon?
Trump indicated that he is setting up a meeting in roughly two weeks and identified Geneva as a potential location.
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