France’s President Emmanuel Macron, from left, President Donald Trump, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz participate in a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders in the East Room of the White House, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, in Washington.
President Donald Trump has ruled out sending American troops to defend Ukraine against Russia. His latest statement came after earlier remarks left room for speculation about possible military involvement.
Trump Assures No U.S. Troops in Ukraine
In a television interview on Tuesday, Trump firmly stated that American troops will not be deployed to Ukraine. Speaking on Fox & Friends, he emphasized, “You have my assurance, and I’m president.”
However, his authority ends with his term in January 2029. This raises questions about what future U.S. administrations may decide regarding Ukraine.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later confirmed the stance, stating, “U.S. boots will not be on the ground” as part of any peacekeeping effort.
Ukraine’s NATO and Crimea Goals Declared “Impossible”
Trump also expressed skepticism about Ukraine’s long-standing goals. He declared that Kyiv’s aspirations of joining NATO and regaining Crimea from Russia are “impossible.”
Crimea was seized by Russia in 2014, and Moscow continues to claim it as part of its territory. Trump suggested that Ukraine must set aside these ambitions if a peace deal is to be reached.
Talks at the White House
Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and several European leaders at the White House on Monday. The discussions centered on finding ways to end Russia’s ongoing invasion.
During the talks, Zelenskyy requested stronger security guarantees. Trump initially did not rule out U.S. participation in a European-led security mission but later dismissed the idea.
Putin’s Demands for a Deal
According to Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin is open to considering security guarantees for Ukraine. But Moscow is demanding concessions. These include Ukrainian troop withdrawals from Donetsk and Luhansk, as well as formal recognition of Crimea as Russian territory.
These conditions remain key obstacles to any potential peace deal.
Push for Direct Talks Between Putin and Zelenskyy
Trump said he is arranging direct talks between Putin and Zelenskyy. Earlier, he had suggested a three-way meeting involving himself.
By Monday evening, he clarified that Putin and Zelenskyy should meet first. A trilateral discussion with Trump could follow if necessary.
Leavitt explained that this idea developed during conversations with both leaders and European representatives. However, Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov did not confirm any such agreement from Putin’s side.
Mixed Signals From Moscow
Despite Trump’s optimism, Russia has not officially committed to a direct meeting. The Kremlin has previously resisted similar proposals for face-to-face talks.
When asked whether Putin had promised Trump such a meeting, Leavitt responded positively. Yet, no confirmation came from Moscow.
Trump Optimistic About an End to the War
Trump struck an optimistic tone, suggesting that Putin may soon be ready for peace. “I think Putin is tired of it,” he said. “We’re going to find out about President Putin in the next couple of weeks.”
Still, uncertainties remain, with both sides holding firm to demands that seem difficult to reconcile.
