Trump Confirms No U.S. Troops Will Be Deployed to Ukraine

On August 19, 2025, President Donald Trump stated that U.S. troops would not be sent to Ukraine, despite Ukrainian President Voldy Zelensky’s calls for international security as part of the peace talks with Russia.

In a phone conversation on Tuesday, when asked if America would continue to protect Ukraine’s borders, Trump responded, “You have my assurance – and I’m the president. I’m trying to stop people from being killed.”

Trump asserted that European nations are prepared to contribute troops, saying, “To be honest, I don’t think that will be a problem. I think Putin is tired. I think they’re all tired. But you never know.”

The President expressed hope that Zelensky would approach peace talks with flexibility, emphasizing the need for a viable agreement to end the conflict with Moscow.

He also mentioned his willingness to provide support to Ukraine, particularly in terms of air assistance, while reiterating that NATO isn’t involved in the ongoing situation unless conditions change regarding the war’s outcome.

Discussions later turned to potential land exchanges between Ukraine and Russia.

“Ukraine is trying to get their lives back,” Trump noted. “They’re going to get a lot of land.”

“But this was a war,” he added. “Russia is a powerful military state…whether people like it or not.”

Trump pointed out that both Ukraine and NATO allies need to come to terms with the fact that Ukraine’s NATO membership and reclaiming Crimea is “impossible.” However, he mentioned that he has arranged a bilateral meeting with both Zelensky and Putin.

“If that works, I’ll go to [trilateral] And close it,” Trump stated.

These remarks followed a Monday meeting involving Zelensky and European leaders at the White House.

Western leaders came together after discussions between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump in Alaska aimed at establishing a peace agreement for the Russian-Ukrainian war.

Meanwhile, Russia’s demands to conclude the conflict in Ukraine have remained unchanged. Moscow insists on territorial concessions from Ukraine, as well as halting its pursuit of NATO membership. Furthermore, it seeks recognition of its annexed territory and the removal of sanctions against Russia.

Ukraine’s insistence on Western security guarantees could pose significant hurdles in the peace negotiations, as Russia insists that Ukraine cannot join military alliances with Western nations.