WASHINGTON (BN24) — President Donald Trump categorically ruled out deploying U.S. troops to Ukraine as part of any security guarantees for a peace deal, while indicating that European allies are prepared to provide ground forces to ensure Ukrainian security.
Speaking to reporters following Monday’s White House meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders, Trump was unambiguous when asked whether the United States would have boots on the ground as part of security arrangements for Ukraine.
“You have my assurance and I am president,” Trump declared. “I’m just trying to stop people from being killed.”
The president suggested that European nations, including France, Germany and the United Kingdom, are among those who “want to have” boots on the ground in Ukraine, adding “I don’t think it’s going to be a problem.” Trump emphasized that these countries are “willing to put people on the ground” when it comes to Ukrainian security arrangements.
Trump explained the European willingness to deploy forces by noting the geographical proximity of the conflict to European nations. “So it’s a different kind of a thing for them. When it comes to security, they’re willing to put people on the ground,” he said, referencing how the Ukraine conflict is “closer to them because we have an ocean that’s separating us.”
While ruling out U.S. ground troops, Trump indicated American support would come through other means. The president said the United States is willing to help with aspects of security, for instance through air support, but stressed that joining NATO cannot be the key form of security Ukraine relies on.
When pressed about potential territorial arrangements discussed during the White House talks, Trump offered an optimistic assessment for Ukraine’s future. “Ukraine is going to get their life back,” he said. “They’re going to get a lot of land.”
However, Trump acknowledged the military realities of the conflict, stating “But this was a war” and noting that “Russia is a powerful military nation… whether people like it or not.”
The president characterized Monday’s discussions with world leaders as productive, calling them “good people” who “want to end the war.” The meeting brought together Zelensky with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.
Trump hinted that Russian President Vladimir Putin would face consequences if he fails to cooperate in the peace process, suggesting Putin would face a “rough situation” without his participation in reaching a settlement.
Zelensky praised the White House meeting as “significant” and indicated that Ukraine is already working on “concrete” security guarantees following the discussions. The Ukrainian president’s positive assessment suggested progress in developing alternative security arrangements that could substitute for immediate NATO membership.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the gathering as “constructive,” with the “coalition of the willing” planning to hold further talks with their American counterparts in the coming days. The continued diplomatic engagement signals sustained effort to develop comprehensive security frameworks for Ukraine.
Adding to the diplomatic momentum, Switzerland announced its readiness to host a potential Zelensky-Putin summit, responding to Trump’s suggestion during a call with the Russian president. The Swiss offer provides a neutral venue for direct negotiations between the Ukrainian and Russian leaders if peace talks advance.
The White House meeting represents a significant diplomatic effort to align American and European approaches to Ukrainian security while the war continues. Trump’s explicit rejection of U.S. ground forces deployment, combined with European willingness to provide such support, suggests an emerging division of labor among Western allies in supporting Ukraine.
The discussions come as international pressure mounts for a negotiated settlement to the conflict that has claimed hundreds of thousands of casualties since Russia’s invasion began in February 2022. Trump’s emphasis on stopping casualties while maintaining security commitments reflects the delicate balance between achieving peace and ensuring Ukraine’s long-term sovereignty.
In Kyiv, residents expressed mixed reactions to the diplomatic developments. While some expressed hope following the White House talks, others remained skeptical about Putin’s trustworthiness, with one resident noting “I’m not sure I trust [Putin]” and another describing it as “very painful to watch all this happening.”
Source: bbc.com
