(NewsNation) — U.S. military leaders are expected to meet with their NATO counterparts Wednesday to discuss potential security guarantees for Ukraine, as President Donald Trump signals Washington could provide air support as part of a future deal.
The Trump administration has ruled out deploying U.S. troops to Ukraine. Instead, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Tuesday that Washington could play a coordination role and provide other forms of support.
“The president has definitely stated U.S. boots will not be on the ground in Ukraine,” Leavitt said. “But we certainly can help in the coordination and perhaps provide other means of security guarantees.”
Ukraine urges long-term commitment
Ukrainian officials’ long-term fear is that Russia could potentially continue to maintain the pressure and make additional moves in the coming years.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that the importance of lasting peace depends on firm commitments from allies.
“We are confident that peace can be reliable and lasting, and security guarantees are the key to this,” Zelenskyy wrote in a social media post. “Ukrainians have defended independence. Ukraine has united many nations, and by ensuring strong security guarantees, it will certainly ensure the future for our people.”
Kremlin stalls on potential peace talks
The Kremlin has yet to commit to any trilateral or bilateral meetings with Trump or Zelenskyy.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told state television that Moscow is “not rejecting any formats” but did not offer dates or deadlines for negotiations.
“We are not rejecting any forms or work, either bilateral, trilateral,” he said. “These formats are designed for step-by-step, consistent preparations for summits, from the expert level and up.”
Fighting on the ground continues
As diplomatic discussions inch forward, the war grinds on in Ukraine.
Russian missile and drone strikes have hit multiple cities, including Sumy, in recent days, as Moscow keeps up the pressure with no signs of relenting or extensions of an olive branch at this juncture.
