Trump rules out deploying US troops in Ukraine under security guarantees

US President Donald Trump has ruled out sending troops to Ukraine as part of security guarantees agreed upon in the White House, a move that was described as a significant breakthrough by European leaders.

When asked during a phone interview with Fox News whether he could assure listeners, particularly his MAGA supporters who favour an isolationist, America-first foreign policy, that the US would not deploy troops to Ukraine, Trump responded: “You have my assurance, and I’m president.”

He, however, said that Washington is ready to provide air support to Kyiv in an attempt to play by the security guarantees deal. This would still be a major shift in his administration’s policy on the conflict.

Meanwhile, Russia has warned that the deployment of Nato troops to Ukraine would be a red line in any negotiations. However, on Tuesday, Trump brushed off those concerns and expressed continued optimism about the possibility of reaching a deal with Putin.

What do the security agreements entail?

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that he discussed Ukraine’s plans to purchase $90 billion in American weapons through European funding during his meeting with Trump and European leaders at the White House.

According to a report by the Financial Times, the security guarantees include a $50bn deal to produce drones with Ukrainian companies. A document of the guarantees does not mention which weapons Kyiv intends to procure; however, Ukraine has been clear about its intentions to purchase at least 10 US-made Patriot air defence systems.

The document of the security guarantees, as seen by FT, also highlights “lasting peace shall be based not on concessions and free gifts to Putin, but on [a] strong security framework that will prevent future aggression”.

It adds that recent footage aired by Russian media suggests the Kremlin is not serious about pursuing a peace deal and holds a dim view of Trump’s leadership, pointing to disparaging remarks about the US president made by prominent television host Vladimir Solovyov.

UK offers air support to Ukraine

The head of the British armed forces is set to inform his US counterparts that the UK is willing to deploy troops to help defend Ukraine’s airspace and maritime borders, but not to engage on the front lines against Russia, as planning intensifies for a post-war security arrangement.

Tony Radakin, the Chief of the Defence Staff, will attend meetings at the Pentagon on Wednesday aimed at finalising what 30 nations are prepared to contribute to Ukraine’s long-term security.

With inputs from agencies