Donald Trump has ruled out sending US troops to Ukraine as part of security guarantees if a peace deal is reached.
The president hinted American jets could help provide air support to defend Volodymyr Zelensky’s nation.
He told Fox News that Vladimir Putin would face a “rough situation” if he doesn’t co-operate adding it is possible for the Russian leader could still reject a ceasefire.
Asked what guarantees could look like for Ukraine, Trump says France, Germany and the UK are among those who “want to have” boots on the ground.
“I don’t think it's going to be a problem,” he added.
Trump was categorical that his troops wouldn’t be in the country, saying: “You have my assurance and I am president.
“I’m just trying to stop people from being killed.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt says the US will help in the co-ordination of security guarantees and Trump’s national security team will work with Europe.
The president stressed Zelensky had to show flexibility, including giving up hopes of getting Crimea back or joining Nato.
His comments came as Sir Keir Starmer held talks with members of the “coalition of the willing”, the nations prepared to contribute to guaranteeing Ukraine’s security if a deal to end the Russian invasion can be reached.
The Prime Minister and Zelensky were among European leaders who travelled to Washington on Monday for talks.
Those White House discussions have paved the way for a potential meeting between Zelensky and Putin for the first time since the Kremlin invaded his neighbour in 2022.
Trump told Fox News: “I hope President Putin is going to be good and if he’s not, that’s going to be a rough situation.
“And I hope that Zelensky, President Zelensky, will do what he has to do. He has to show some flexibility.”
But he suggested that Putin was unlikely to launch another invasion as he was “tired of it” after three years of war.
“We are going to find out about President Putin in the next couple of weeks, that I can tell you,” Trump said, acknowledging that it was “possible he doesn’t want to make a deal”.
