Trump assured that American troops will not be sent to defend Ukraine

President Donald Trump has confirmed that there are no plans to send U.S. troops to defend Ukraine from Russia, despite his previous hints that such action was possible.

In a television interview this morning, the politician also noted that Ukraine's aspirations for NATO membership and the restoration of control over the Crimean territories under Russian control “have no prospects.”

The Republican leader, along with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and representatives of European countries, held lengthy consultations at the White House on Monday aimed at ending Russia's military standoff with Ukraine.

Answering questions from the media, the politician admitted the theoretical possibility of including American forces in European initiatives to ensure Ukraine’s security, requested by Zelensky.

Earlier, after talks with Vladimir Putin in Alaska, Trump announced the Russian leadership’s readiness to consider options for guarantees for Ukraine.

However, when asked on Fox News about future commitments to non-participation of US troops in Ukrainian border conflicts after the end of his presidential term, he said: “You have my word as long as I remain the head of state.”

It should be noted that Trump's powers as commander of the armed forces will end in January 2029, upon the end of his term.

Later, administration spokeswoman Caroline Leavitt clarified that “there will be no deployment of U.S. military personnel on Ukrainian soil” in the context of any possible peacekeeping operations.

During the conversation, Trump expressed confidence in the prospects for reaching agreements to end Russian aggression, but emphasized the need for Ukraine to renounce its claims to Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, and its ambitions to join NATO.

“These goals are unrealistic,” the American leader said.

On the Russian side, the key conditions for the withdrawal of troops are the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Donetsk and Lugansk, as well as the official recognition of Crimea's status.

Earlier, Trump announced the organization of direct negotiations between Putin and Zelensky.

However, the Kremlin has so far refrained from confirming Putin’s readiness for a personal meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart, despite recent calls from the international community.

When asked about the existence of relevant agreements between Putin and Trump, Leavitt answered affirmatively: “Such an agreement has been reached.”

During morning talks with Zelensky and European leaders, Trump insisted on a trilateral summit format with the participation of the Russian leader.

However, after a dialogue with Putin later that day, the American president changed his approach, proposing to first organize a bilateral meeting and, if necessary, expand the format.

“This concept emerged from consultations with leaders yesterday,” Leavitt explained.

Yuri Ushakov, the Russian leader's adviser on international affairs, did not confirm the fact that new summits had been agreed upon in his comments on the post-meeting talks.

Trump predicts that further actions of the Russian leadership will become clear in the coming period.

“I believe that Putin has exhausted the resources to continue the confrontation,” the American leader noted.

“All participants are tired of the confrontation. But the final intentions will become clear in two weeks. There is no doubt about that.”

Sen. Lindsey Graham told The Associated Press on Tuesday that if there is no progress on a peace deal, “alternative scenarios” need to be considered by the time Congress reconvenes.

The Republican lawmaker has been calling for months on the administration to back a bipartisan effort to impose sanctions on countries that indirectly finance Russia's military campaign.

After a phone call with Trump on Tuesday morning, Graham noted a shift in the president's position on the legislative initiative.

“Trump is convinced that if Putin refuses to fulfill his obligations, economic pressure will be required. It is important to speak frankly,” the senator emphasized in his speech.

Sourse: breakingnews.ie

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