President Donald Trump has ruled out sending American troops to Ukraine, even as talks intensify over possible security guarantees in any future peace deal with Russia.
Speaking after a meeting with allies, Mr Trump said Washington would “help in other ways” but made clear that putting US forces on the ground was not an option. “We can look at air support, maybe other security measures, but Nato membership cannot be the only solution Ukraine relies on,” he told reporters.
The remarks came as members of what officials are calling the “coalition of the willing” debated how best to deter Russia from striking again if a truce is reached. Some countries have hinted they may be prepared to send troops.
The White House struck a cautiously hopeful note. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky had shown willingness to meet directly, with the United States playing a role in setting up the talks. She offered no details on timing or venue, though reports in the US suggested Budapest could host such a meeting.
Diplomats say the shape of any deal remains uncertain, but the question of Ukraine’s security is at its heart. Nato military chiefs are expected to hold a virtual meeting tomorrow to continue discussions.
For now, Mr Trump’s refusal to commit US boots to the conflict underlines a wider debate among allies: how to balance strong guarantees for Kyiv without escalating the war further.
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