President Donald Trump on Tuesday assured that U.S. troops will not be deployed to defend Ukraine against Russia, after appearing to leave the option open the previous day.
In a morning TV interview, Trump also said Ukraine’s hopes of joining NATO and regaining Crimea from Russia are “impossible.”
On Monday, Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and European leaders held hours of talks at the White House on ways to end Russia’s war. During the discussions, Trump did not rule out sending U.S. troops to take part in a European-led security mission sought by Zelenskyy. He had also indicated after his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska last week that Putin was open to security guarantees for Ukraine.
Pressed Tuesday on Fox News’ “Fox & Friends” about whether he could guarantee that U.S. troops would not be used to defend Ukraine, Trump said: “Well, you have my assurance, and I’m president.” His term ends in January 2029.
Later, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated that “U.S. boots will not be on the ground” as part of any potential peacekeeping mission.
Trump voiced optimism about a possible peace deal but stressed Ukraine would have to give up on NATO membership and its claim to Crimea, seized by Russia in 2014. “Both of those things are impossible,” he said.
Putin, for his part, is seeking recognition of Crimea as Russian territory and the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Donetsk and Luhansk in exchange for pulling back his troops.
Zelenskyy brings European leaders to press Trump on ending Russia-Ukraine War
Trump said Monday he was arranging direct talks between Putin and Zelenskyy, though the Kremlin has not confirmed Putin’s willingness. White House officials later said Putin assured Trump he would meet Zelenskyy directly.
Trump added that three-way talks involving himself, Putin, and Zelenskyy could follow if necessary.
“I think Putin is tired of it. I think they’re all tired of it,” Trump said. “But you never know. We’re going to find out about President Putin in the next couple of weeks.”
Source: Agency