United States President Donald Trump has ruled out committing U.S. troops to Ukraine to enforce a peace deal with Russia, though he said the U.S. would still offer security guarantees.
European countries, including France and the United Kingdom, have offered to send peacekeeping troops after an end to Russia’s invasion is negotiated. Trump had said the U.S. would provide security guarantees for Ukraine following his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders, but did not give details.
When asked during a Fox News interview if the U.S. had ruled out sending peacekeeping troops, Trump said: “You have my assurance, and I’m president.”
“There’ll be some form of security. It can’t be NATO,” Trump said. “They’re willing to put people on the ground. We’re willing to help them with things, especially, probably, if you could talk about by air.”
According to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, U.S. national security officials will continue to coordinate options for security guarantees with their European counterparts. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a meeting with more than 30 world leaders today, which he has called the 'Coalition of the Willing', to discuss possible plans for peacekeeping troops.
Trump said that Ukraine would have to abandon its plans to join NATO. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff had previously said that the U.S. told Russia it would provide Ukraine with “Article Five-like protection”, which would require NATO members to defend Ukraine if attacked.
NATO military leaders will meet this week to discuss potential security guarantees for Ukraine. U.S. European Command head Alexus Grynkewich will also brief officials from NATO member states on Trump’s meeting with Putin in Alaska.
The U.S. is reportedly seeking to arrange a trilateral meeting between Trump, Zelenskyy, and Russian President Vladimir Putin for the next stage in peace negotiations.
Putin reportedly told Trump that he would want any talks with Zelenskyy to take place in Russia, while the U.S. aims to hold negotiations in Hungary.
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