Trump Assures That US Troops Will Not Be Deployed to Defend Ukraine Amid Ongoing Conflict

President Trump has confirmed that US troops will not be sent to defend Ukraine against Russia. He discussed NATO membership and security guarantees with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy during recent talks.

Donald Trump, the US President, assured on Tuesday that American troops would not be deployed to defend Ukraine against Russia. This statement came after he seemed to leave the possibility open earlier. In a TV interview, Trump also mentioned that Ukraine's ambitions to join NATO and reclaim Crimea from Russia are "impossible."

During discussions at the White House on Monday, Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and European leaders aimed to resolve Russia's conflict with Ukraine. While addressing journalists, Trump did not dismiss the idea of US troops joining a European-led mission to protect Ukraine as part of security guarantees sought by Zelenskyy.

Security Guarantees and Diplomatic Efforts

Following a meeting in Alaska with Russian President Vladimir Putin last week, Trump noted Putin's openness to security guarantees for Ukraine. However, when asked on Fox News' "Fox & Friends" about assurances that US troops would not defend Ukraine's border beyond his term, Trump replied, "Well, you have my assurance, and I'm president." Trump's term ends in January 2029.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated on Tuesday that "US boots will not be on the ground" in any peacekeeping mission. Trump expressed optimism about reaching a deal to end Russia's invasion but stressed that Ukraine must abandon its hope of reclaiming Crimea and joining NATO. "Both of those things are impossible," he stated.

Putin's Conditions and Negotiation Plans

As part of any potential agreement to withdraw Russian forces from Ukraine, Putin seeks the removal of Ukrainian troops from Donetsk and Luhansk regions and recognition of Crimea as Russian territory. On Monday, Trump announced plans for direct talks between Putin and Zelenskyy. However, the Kremlin has not confirmed Putin's commitment to meet Zelenskyy face-to-face.

When questioned if Putin had promised Trump a direct meeting with Zelenskyy, Leavitt confirmed affirmatively. "He has," she said regarding Putin. Early Monday, during discussions with Zelenskyy and European leaders, Trump advocated for three-way talks involving himself, Zelenskyy, and Putin.

Progression of Diplomatic Discussions

After speaking with Putin later that day, Trump arranged for an initial face-to-face meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin, with three-way talks to follow if necessary. "It was an idea that evolved in the course of the president's conversations with both President Putin, President Zelenskyy and the European leaders yesterday," Leavitt explained.

Trump believes that Putin's intentions will become clearer soon. "I think Putin is tired of it," Trump remarked. "I think they're all tired of it. But you never know. We're going to find out about President Putin in the next couple of weeks. That I can tell you."

With inputs from PTI