…urges Zelensky to show flexibility in peace talks
President Donald Trump has categorically ruled out deploying American troops to Ukraine to enforce any potential peace agreement, insisting that security guarantees should fall more heavily on European nations.
In a phone interview on Fox News, Trump dismissed speculation about U.S. forces being part of a post-war security arrangement.
“You have my assurance, and I’m president,” he said when asked if American troops would be sent to Ukraine. “I’m just trying to stop people from being killed.”
A White House official confirmed on Tuesday that Trump’s position is firm: no U.S. boots on the ground in Ukraine.
The comments came a day after talks at the White House involving Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and European leaders.
The discussions focused on how to guarantee Ukraine’s security once a peace settlement with Russia is reached. European capitals, including Paris, Berlin and London, have signalled willingness to contribute forces, but Trump made clear the U.S. will not.
“For them it’s a different kind of thing, we have an ocean that’s separating us,” Trump said, arguing that the war is closer to Europe.
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“When it comes to security, they’re willing to put people on the ground.” He added that Washington could provide air support and other security measures but stressed that NATO membership “can’t be the key form of security Ukraine relies on.”
The president also revealed he had spoken with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, saying he hopes Moscow’s conduct “is going to be good,” but warned that if not, “it’s going to be a rough situation.”
Turning to Ukraine’s role in the negotiations, Trump said Zelensky would need to show pragmatism.
“I hope Zelensky does what he has to do, but he needs to be flexible in negotiations,” Trump said. “I wouldn’t say Zelensky and Putin are ever going to be best friends, but they’re the ones that have to call the shots.”
Asked about reports of potential “land swap” deals, Trump said: “Ukraine is going to get their life back. They’re going to get a lot of land. But this was a war, and Russia is a powerful military nation, whether people like it or not.”
While reaffirming U.S. support for ending the conflict, Trump underscored his priority: stopping the bloodshed without dragging American forces directly into Europe’s war.
