US President Donald Trump has ruled out sending American troops to Ukraine as part of security guarantees, but the White House said other options, including air support and NATO-led measures, remain under consideration.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, addressing reporters on Tuesday, stressed that while “US boots will not be on the ground in Ukraine,” Trump is determined to ensure long-term security arrangements in Europe.
“The president has definitively stated US boots will not be on the ground in Ukraine, but we can certainly help in the coordination and perhaps provide other means of security guarantees to our European allies,” Leavitt said. “He understands that security guarantees are crucial to ensuring a lasting peace.”
When asked if US air support was a possibility, Leavitt replied: “It is an option and a possibility. I won’t rule out anything as far as military options, but I can tell you he’s ruled out boots on the ground.”
Leavitt noted that Trump had directed his national security team to develop a framework for security guarantees acceptable to both Ukraine and its allies. To ease concerns about US spending, she added that Trump has proposed NATO fund American weapon purchases for Ukraine instead of direct US taxpayer financing.
Highlighting Trump’s recent diplomacy, Leavitt pointed to his meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. She said Trump believes progress has been made, with both sides now open to direct talks after years of stalemate.
“He’s understanding what both sides want and what both sides may have to give up. In order to get a good deal, both sides are going to have to walk away a little bit unhappy,” Leavitt remarked.
She further claimed that the US has regained respect on the global stage under Trump, citing his involvement in multiple peace efforts, including hostage releases in Gaza and, controversially, what she described as a peace settlement between India and Pakistan.
Leavitt concluded by saying the White House is working with European allies to prepare conditions for a possible meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin, with the US playing a facilitating role.
