Trump Rules Out Sending US Troops to Ukraine, Open to Alternative Security Guarantees

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirms “no boots on the ground” policy, hints at possible aerial support and NATO-backed weapons strategy for Ukraine.

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Washington, DC [US], August 20: US President Donald Trump has ruled out the possibility of deploying American troops to Ukraine, making it clear that while the United States will support Kyiv, “boots on the ground” are not an option. Instead, the administration is exploring alternative security guarantees, including aerial assistance and NATO-led initiatives, to maintain stability in the region.

Speaking at her daily press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that Trump’s approach balances strong support for European allies with sensitivity to American taxpayers.

“The president has definitively stated US boots will not be on the ground in Ukraine. But we can certainly help in coordination and perhaps provide other means of security guarantees,” Leavitt said. “Security guarantees are crucial to ensuring lasting peace, and the president has directed his national security team to work closely with our European partners, Ukraine, and even Russia.”

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Air Support on the Table – But No Troops

When asked if the US would consider air power as part of its security commitments, Leavitt said the option remains open.

“It is an option and a possibility. I certainly won’t rule out anything when it comes to the president’s military options. But I can confirm—boots on the ground are ruled out.”

Trump has tasked his team with developing a framework for security guarantees that could bring a lasting resolution to the ongoing conflict, ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty while minimizing US military exposure.

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A “Creative” NATO Solution

One of Trump’s more unconventional proposals is shifting the financial burden of arms support to NATO. According to Leavitt, this approach prevents direct strain on US taxpayers while still equipping Ukraine with world-class American weaponry.

“The president is very sensitive to the needs of the American taxpayer. That’s why he devised a creative solution—NATO will purchase American weapons, the best in the world, and supply them to Ukraine. This allows us to backfill Ukraine’s needs without writing endless checks from Washington,” she explained.

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Diplomacy Over Conflict

Leavitt underlined that Trump has invested heavily in direct dialogue with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. She credited these conversations with opening channels for negotiation after years of silence.

“For the first time in years, Russia and Ukraine are actually talking directly—thanks to President Trump’s efforts. He believes both sides must compromise for peace. A good deal, as he always says, is when both sides walk away a little unhappy.”

She added that arrangements for a potential face-to-face meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy are already underway, facilitated by US national security teams.

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Claiming Respect on the Global Stage

Leavitt also painted a broader picture of America’s foreign policy under Trump, arguing that his tough diplomacy has restored respect for the US worldwide. She pointed to several “peace successes,” including hostage releases and global conflict resolutions.

In a controversial remark, she falsely credited Trump with brokering peace between India and Pakistan, claiming it averted a nuclear confrontation—an assertion that contradicts historical records.

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The Bigger Picture

As the Russia-Ukraine war drags on, Trump’s administration is trying to chart a middle path—supporting allies, curbing Russian aggression, but avoiding deep military entanglement. His strategy leans on diplomacy, NATO cooperation, and selective security guarantees, while keeping American soldiers out of the battlefield.

The coming weeks are expected to bring more clarity on what these “security guarantees” might look like, especially as talks between Putin and Zelenskyy move closer to materializing.