Trump Rules Out U.S. Ground Troops in Ukraine, Calls on Europe to Lead Peace Efforts

President Donald Trump has firmly ruled out deploying American troops to Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia, emphasizing that Europe should take the lead in ensuring any peace deal holds.

In a phone interview on Tuesday with Fox & Friends, Trump was asked directly if U.S. soldiers would be sent to Ukraine to help stop the fighting. “No,” he responded clearly. This stance comes after a more ambiguous comment during a Monday Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and several European leaders, where Trump said, “We’ll let you know that, maybe later today.”

Trump reiterated that while the U.S. will support Ukraine, it will not put boots on the ground. “Europe is the first line of defense because they’re there,” he said. “But we are going to help them out. Also, we’ll be involved.”

The president also dismissed the possibility of Ukraine joining NATO or regaining control of Crimea, calling both “impossible.” He noted a surprising improvement in the relationship between Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying, “They’re getting along a little bit better than I thought.” Though not best friends, Trump said the two leaders are managing their communications and “need to call the shots” on the conflict.

When asked if he had contacted Putin following the high-level meeting that included leaders from Ukraine, Britain, France, Germany, Finland, Italy, the EU, and NATO, Trump said he refrained out of respect for the tense relations at the time. “They had no communication with the White House for years,” Trump said, referencing the previous administration. “Putin told me it was years that he didn’t speak to anybody from the White House, and also no communication with Europe.”

Despite the tensions, Trump maintained he has preserved a “very good relationship” with Putin.