Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has newly claimed that US President Donald Trump is considering the possibility of deploying American troops to Ukraine as negotiations toward peace with Moscow stall. This is presumably connected with promises of future ‘security guarantees’.
This is somewhat of a surprise, as the White House has made no indication of this in any statement whether public or based on anonymous officials. Throughout the nearly four-long war the question of Western ‘boots on the ground’ has been raised at various times.
But the US – whether under Biden or Trump – has always denied that sending American troops into Ukraine is a solution. Instead, it’s well understood that this could escalate things between Washington and Russia toward full-scale war.
Zelensky made the remarks during a WhatsApp conversation with journalists, according to Reuters national security correspondent Idress Ali, who then revealed his words on social media.
But the outlet has still stressed that Zelensky understands that the final decision rests with Trump.
“To be honest, this can only be confirmed by the President of the United States of America. These are US troops, and therefore it is America that makes such decisions. Of course, we are discussing this both with President Trump and with representatives of the Coalition [of the Willing],” Zelensky was quoted as saying.
And just like that, boots on the ground as a talking point is being echoed among EU leaders…
Hellbound and Down 