Trump Opens Door to U.S. Air Support in Ukraine, Rules Out Ground Troops

U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday suggested that Washington could provide air support as part of a potential peace deal in Ukraine, though he reiterated that American ground troops will not be deployed under any circumstances. His remarks came a day after a White House summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and several European leaders, where discussions centred on future security guarantees for Kyiv.

Trump underlined that while European allies had expressed readiness to send ground forces if required, the U.S. contribution would likely take a different shape. “We’re willing to help them with things, especially, probably … by air,” he said, leaving the scope of support undefined.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later clarified that air assistance remained “an option and a possibility,” but offered no details on whether this could involve enforcing a no-fly zone, providing advanced missile defence systems, or other aerial operations.

Trump, asked about his approach to negotiations, described it less as strategy and more as instinct, saying his decisions relied “probably [on] instinct more than process.”

The comments coincided with a sharp escalation in the conflict. Hours after Trump’s statements, Russia carried out its largest aerial barrage in more than a month, launching 270 drones and 10 missiles. Ukrainian officials reported massive fires at energy facilities in the Poltava region, underscoring the high stakes of any potential ceasefire framework.

Despite his optimism about brokering a settlement, Trump acknowledged doubts about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s intentions. “We’re going to find out about President Putin in the next couple of weeks,” he said, indicating that upcoming talks will reveal whether Moscow is genuinely committed to peace.

European leaders broadly welcomed Trump’s willingness to keep the U.S. engaged, even in a limited capacity. Analysts, however, noted that while air support could boost Ukraine’s defences, the absence of American boots on the ground may limit Washington’s influence in shaping long-term security arrangements.