Trump assures: 'No American boots on ground' in Ukraine

Washington: US President Donald Trump has made it clear that in the event of any potential peace agreement in Ukraine, the United States will not deploy ground troops — although it may provide air support.

Trump's statement came as he hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders at the White House, just three days after his historic meeting with Vladimir Putin.

Trump claimed that Putin has agreed to meet with Zelensky and has accepted some Western security guarantees. However, Kyiv and Western capitals have responded to these claims with caution.

According to reports, Putin proposed holding the meeting in Moscow, but Zelensky immediately rejected the suggestion.

Trump stated that European countries such as France, Germany, and the United Kingdom are "ready to deploy ground forces," but the US will only provide aerial assistance. He emphasized, "You have my assurance — American troops will not be on the ground, and I am the President."

European leaders have accelerated preparations for any possible peace agreement. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, after consultations with allied nations, said preparations are being made for the deployment of a “reassurance force” if the fighting stops. Meanwhile, military chiefs from NATO’s 32 member states are scheduled to meet via video link to discuss the Ukraine situation.

Meanwhile, Russia has stated that any resolution must include the protection of its “security interests” and that Ukraine’s NATO membership will not be accepted under any circumstances. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that “extremely thorough preparations” are necessary before the proposed summit.