Trump rules out sending US troops to help defend Ukraine

UPDATED: Aug 20, 2025 00:22 IST

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday made it clear that US troops will not be sent to Ukraine as part of any potential deal to end Russia’s war. “You have my assurance, and I’m president,” Trump said in an interview with Fox News, following hours of discussions at the White House with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders.

Trump, who had suggested a day earlier that US participation in a European-led security mission was not entirely off the table, drew a firm line on Tuesday.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later reinforced that position, saying, “US boots will not be on the ground.” Trump added that while Washington could support European allies with resources, the guarantees being discussed “can’t be NATO.”

The talks focused on security guarantees for Ukraine — a framework in which European nations, working alongside the U.S., would commit to protecting Ukraine without extending NATO membership.

Trump described the meeting as “a very good, early step” toward ending a conflict now in its fourth year. But he also signaled difficult compromises ahead.

Trump said Ukraine must accept that reclaiming Crimea, seized by Russia in 2014, and joining NATO are “impossible.” Moscow, in turn, is pressing for Kyiv to withdraw forces from Donetsk and Luhansk and to formally recognize Crimea as Russian territory.

Trump has been working to set up direct talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelenskyy. After speaking with Putin on Monday, he said arrangements were being made for a face-to-face meeting between the two leaders, with the possibility of a later three-way summit including himself. According to Leavitt, Putin has agreed in principle to meet with Zelenskyy.

“I think Putin is tired of it. I think they’re all tired of it,” Trump said, though cautioning that Russia’s intentions would become clearer in the coming weeks.

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