Trump Rules Out Ground Troops in Ukraine, Open to Air Support in Peace Deal. U.S. President Donald Trump has ruled out sending American ground troops to Ukraine but said the U.S. may provide air support as part of a peace deal to end Russia’s war.
Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appear close to a peace summit. The possibility emerged after fast-moving talks on Monday involving Donald Trump and European leaders. Discussions centered on long-term security guarantees for Kyiv.
In an interview with Fox & Friends, Trump said: “We’re not putting troops on the ground. But we may help by air.” He didn’t offer further details.
The statement came a day after Trump offered security guarantees for Ukraine during a major summit at the White House. However, the path to peace remains unclear, and U.S. allies are still figuring out what kind of military support to provide.
After Monday’s meeting, Russia launched its largest air assault in over a month. Trump acknowledged that President Vladimir Putin might not be ready to make a deal. “We’ll find out about Putin in the next couple of weeks,” Trump said.
The exact nature of U.S. air support is still uncertain. It could range from missile defense systems to fighter jets enforcing a no-fly zone.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that air support was on the table but offered no specifics.
“The President has made it clear — no U.S. boots on the ground. But we are exploring other ways to provide security guarantees,” she said.
Peace Talks and Diplomacy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy praised the White House meeting. He called it a “major step forward” toward ending the war. Zelenskiy also welcomed the idea of a trilateral summit with Trump and Putin.
Trump reportedly discussed Budapest as a possible venue for the talks with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Istanbul and neutral Switzerland have also been mentioned as potential locations.
However, it’s unclear if Ukraine will agree to Hungary, given Orban’s close ties with Putin.
The Kremlin has not confirmed any meeting. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said they’re open to talks, but a leaders’ summit would need thorough preparation.
Fighting Continues on the Ground
Despite diplomatic moves, Russia carried out a massive overnight attack on Ukraine. Ukrainian officials reported 270 drones and 10 missiles were used, causing large fires at energy sites in Poltava, home to Ukraine’s only oil refinery.
In a rare gesture, Russia returned the bodies of 1,000 dead Ukrainian soldiers. Ukraine returned 19 Russian bodies, according to TASS, Russia’s state-run news agency.
NATO, Allies Respond
On Tuesday, Ukraine’s allies met under the Coalition of the Willing format. They discussed new sanctions and plans for future security guarantees. U.S. and allied planning teams will meet soon to develop those guarantees.
NATO military leaders are expected to meet Wednesday. U.S. General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will join virtually.
Analysts Warn of Stalemate
Experts warn the peace process could stall. Neil Melvin, from the Royal United Services Institute, said Russia may drag out negotiations to avoid U.S. pressure.
“Everyone’s tiptoeing around Trump,” Melvin said.
He noted that both sides are trying not to be blamed for obstructing peace. He also called Trump’s security promises “too vague to take seriously.”
