U.S. to Support Ukrainian Security with Aircraft, No Ground Troops Involved

On Tuesday, the White House announced that American aircraft could play a role in providing security guarantees for Ukraine, but emphasized that U.S. troops would not be sent to the country. Following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders, President Donald Trump assured that there would be no American military personnel on the ground, while stating that European nations are prepared to contribute troops.

Trump mentioned that the U.S. is ready to assist its allies, particularly through aerial support. During a White House press briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated Trump's commitment to avoiding troop deployments but indicated that the U.S. could help in coordinating security efforts and may explore various military options. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to lead a team focused on drafting security guarantees for Ukraine, as military planners from both the U.S. and Europe begin examining post-conflict security arrangements.

However, officials noted that determining viable options will require time and consideration of what the Kremlin would find acceptable. Russia's Foreign Ministry has firmly dismissed the idea of deploying European troops in Ukraine, warning that it could lead to a dangerous escalation. In the same briefing, it was also revealed that plans are underway for a meeting between Putin and Zelensky, with discussions on locations including Budapest, as proposed by Trump and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

Leavitt highlighted that Putin is open to this bilateral meeting, and Trump expressed that he prefers for the two leaders to meet without him, citing their historically strained relationship. Furthermore, Trump has suggested that NATO should take the initiative in providing military support by acquiring U.S. weapons, moving away from the financial aid model. NATO military leaders are scheduled to meet soon to address issues concerning Ukraine.

Experts, like Michael E. O'Hanlon from the Brookings Institution, caution that achieving peace between Russia and Ukraine will be challenging, with significant differences on territorial negotiations and a lack of developed security reinforcement strategies for Ukraine by Western countries.