U.S. Rules Out Ground Troops in Ukraine, NATO Membership

The President of the United States has unequivocally stated that the country will not deploy ground troops to Ukraine. This assurance was given during an interview, where the President emphasized that while the U.S. will support Ukraine's defensive efforts, it will not involve ground forces. This stance is consistent with previous commitments made during the presidential campaign, where the promise to avoid entangling American troops in overseas conflicts was a key point.

The President also reiterated that Ukraine will not be permitted to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). However, he noted that several European nations have agreed to provide Ukraine with security measures similar to those offered by NATO, including security guarantees. This indicates a coordinated effort among the U.S. and its European allies to ensure Ukraine's protection without direct military intervention. The President highlighted that discussions on providing security assurances to Ukraine will continue among the U.S., its European allies, and Ukraine itself.

In addition to the military stance, the President expressed a desire for a bilateral meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders before any potential tripartite meeting involving the U.S. He believes that improving relations between Russia and Ukraine is crucial before proceeding with a three-way summit. The President acknowledged the complexity of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, admitting that it is more challenging to resolve than initially anticipated.

On the 18th, the President held a meeting with the Ukrainian President at the White House, followed by a broader discussion with European leaders. The primary focus of these meetings was on Ukraine's security, territorial integrity, and the potential for bilateral and tripartite summits. The President emphasized that the security of Ukraine will be primarily handled by European nations, with coordination from the U.S. This approach aims to provide Ukraine with the necessary support while avoiding direct military engagement.