President Donald Trump speaks at the White House after ruling out U.S. ground troops in Ukraine, while suggesting possible air support as part of future security guarantees. Image credit: The Irish Times
(The Post News) – President Donald Trump has announced that U.S. troops will not be deployed on the ground in Ukraine, though air support remains a possible option as part of a wider peace deal to end Russia’s war.
Speaking on Fox News, Trump said Europe may commit troops while the U.S. could contribute through the air. He did not provide details but later described his approach to negotiations as driven by “instinct more than process.”
The remarks followed a White House summit where Trump pledged new security guarantees for Ukraine. However, the path to peace remains uncertain. Hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s Washington visit, Russia launched its largest aerial assault in weeks, firing 270 drones and 10 missiles. Fires broke out at major energy facilities in the Poltava region, home to Ukraine’s only oil refinery.
Trump admitted Russian President Vladimir Putin might reject any deal. Still, discussions continue over possible U.S. military aid, ranging from missile defense to a potential no-fly zone. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed air support was “an option,” while ruling out American ground forces.
Meanwhile, Zelenskiy called the Washington talks a “major step forward” and signaled openness to a trilateral summit with Trump and Putin. Possible venues include Budapest and Istanbul, though Ukraine has not confirmed. Neutral Switzerland also offered to host.
Analysts warn the conflict, now in its third year, has already caused over one million casualties. Despite recent diplomatic moves, Putin continues to demand Ukrainian territory, even land outside Russia’s current control. Experts suggest Moscow could prolong talks to ease U.S. pressure while avoiding blame for blocking peace.
“They’re all tiptoeing around Trump,” said Neil Melvin of the Royal United Services Institute. “His statements on security guarantees are so vague, it’s hard to take them seriously.”
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