Trump Assures No U.S. Troops in Ukraine Peacekeeping
- The New York Editorial Desk - Arif
- Aug 19
- 3 min read
Tone & Political Bias: Moderately Right Leaning
Why: The reporting emphasizes Trump’s assurances, his positive relationship with Putin, and his push for Europe to take more responsibility, which aligns with right-leaning narratives of reduced U.S. foreign intervention.
Trump’s Statement
President Donald Trump said U.S. troops will not be sent to Ukraine as part of any future peacekeeping effort, offering what he called his “assurance” during an Aug. 19 Fox News interview. This came one day after Trump avoided ruling out the possibility when pressed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders at an Oval Office meeting.
Asked directly what kind of guarantee there is that American troops would not be deployed, Trump responded: “Well, you have my assurance.”
Oval Office Meeting with Zelenskyy
On Aug. 18, Trump hosted Zelenskyy and European officials in Washington. The discussions centered on Ukraine’s request for security guarantees to deter future Russian aggression. Trump repeatedly deflected questions about sending U.S. troops, instead pointing to European nations as Ukraine’s “first line of defense.”
He said the United States would “help them out also,” but stopped short of committing to a U.S. military presence on the ground. “Europe wants to give protection; they feel very strongly about it,” Trump told reporters. “And we’ll help them out with that.”
Ukraine’s Position
Ukraine has made security guarantees a key demand in any peace deal with Russia. Zelenskyy emphasized that strong commitments from the United States and Europe are vital for long-term stability.
“We will speak more about security guarantees,” Zelenskyy said after the Oval Office meeting. “
It is very important that the United States gives such a strong signal and is ready for security guarantees.” According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine continues to require U.S. assistance in the form of weapons, intelligence, and military support to deter future threats.
Trump’s Approach
Trump has framed European nations as the primary defenders of Ukraine, with the U.S. playing a supporting role. He described his stance as prioritizing diplomacy while avoiding direct American involvement on the ground.
Sending U.S. troops to Ukraine would mark a major policy shift and likely spark intense domestic debate, given the political sensitivity of deploying American forces in Eastern Europe.
Relationship with Putin
During the same Fox News interview, Trump acknowledged a recent conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He said he deliberately did not call Putin in front of Zelenskyy and European leaders, calling that “disrespectful” to the Russian leader. “There’s a warmth there,” Trump said of his relationship with Putin.
Trump is working to set up a direct meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy, followed by a three-way session where he would act as moderator. He said the two leaders are “getting along a little bit better than I thought,” suggesting that conditions may be improving for negotiations.
What’s Next
Ukraine continues to seek concrete security guarantees from the U.S. and Europe.
Trump has ruled out sending U.S. peacekeepers but left the door open to American involvement in other forms of support.
European nations are expected to take the lead in providing Ukraine’s long-term defense commitments.
Diplomatic efforts could include a future summit involving Trump, Putin, and Zelenskyy.
The issue of U.S. troop deployment in Ukraine remains politically charged, with Trump drawing a clear line against direct military involvement while emphasizing his role as a negotiator.
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