WASHINGTON: Former US President Donald Trump assured on Tuesday that he would not send American troops to protect Ukraine from Russia, despite having left the possibility open a day earlier.
In a television interview, Trump described Ukraine’s hopes of joining NATO and regaining the Crimea Peninsula as impossible.
The remarks came after Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and several European leaders held extended talks at the White House on Monday aimed at ending the Russia–Ukraine war. When asked whether he would send US troops under Zelensky’s requested security guarantees, Trump declined to confirm such action.
Following his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska last week, Trump had indicated that Putin was open to providing security guarantees for Ukraine. However, on Fox News’ Fox & Friends, Trump clarified that American forces would not deploy on Ukrainian soil, saying, “You have my assurance, and I am the president.”
Trump’s current assurances will remain in effect until his term ends in January 2029, after which he would have no authority over US military decisions. White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt also confirmed that no US troops would remain on the ground for any peace mission.
While expressing hope for a possible agreement to end the Russian invasion, Trump emphasized that Ukraine’s aspirations to recover Crimea or join NATO would need to be set aside, calling both objectives impossible.
The Kremlin has reportedly pressured Ukraine to withdraw its forces from Donetsk and Luhansk and recognize Crimea as part of Russia. Trump stated that he is arranging direct talks between Putin and Zelensky, but the Kremlin has not yet confirmed whether Putin is willing to meet the Ukrainian leader. Levitt added that Putin has promised a meeting.
Trump also indicated that a tripartite meeting including himself, Zelensky, and Putin could take place if necessary, but only after a direct face-to-face discussion between Putin and Zelensky.
Comment