Trump Rejects US Peacekeepers as Ukraine Seeks Security Guarantees

Discussions are underway among European and U.S. officials regarding security guarantees for Ukraine, with a focus on establishing a “reassurance force” should a peace deal with Russia be reached. The White House has confirmed that it will not deploy U.S. troops on a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, a statement made by President Donald Trump during a recent interview.

European leaders, along with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, expressed satisfaction following a significant agreement reached on March 10, 2025, in Washington. The agreement outlines U.S. backing for security pledges to Ukraine and assigns a coordination role to the U.S. for European states that would serve as a “first line of defence” once hostilities cease.

International Coordination Efforts

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer co-chaired an online meeting on March 11, 2025, to brief more than 30 international leaders about the outcomes of the Washington talks. These discussions involved President Trump, President Zelenskiy, several European leaders, and high-ranking officials from the European Union and NATO. Starmer’s office indicated that planning teams from various nations, part of a coalition aimed at enhancing Ukraine’s long-term security, are scheduled to meet with their U.S. counterparts soon.

European Council President Antonio Costa stated that EU leaders participated in a separate briefing regarding the Washington talks, which were also attended by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. “After 3.5 years of war, diplomatic activity is accelerating,” Costa remarked, highlighting the growing momentum around providing Ukraine with security guarantees. He emphasized the importance of establishing a framework akin to NATO’s Article 5, which commits the alliance to collective defence in the event of an attack on any member state.

Despite the positive developments, President Trump has ruled out the possibility of NATO membership for Ukraine, a point underscored by Russia. Moscow has consistently maintained that Ukraine must abandon its aspirations to join NATO as part of any peace agreement.

Security Assurances and Military Presence

NATO’s 32 member states are set to convene via video conference on March 12, 2025, to discuss the current security environment as diplomatic efforts to secure peace in Ukraine continue. Senior NATO official Giuseppe Cavo Dragone noted the importance of this meeting in light of recent developments.

In a recent appearance on Fox News, President Trump addressed questions regarding the likelihood of U.S. troops being sent as peacekeepers to Ukraine. “You have my assurance, and I’m president,” he stated. He clarified that while some form of security assistance would be offered, it would not involve NATO. “We’re willing to help them with things, especially, probably, if you could talk about by air,” he added.

Details surrounding the size, composition, and mandate of any potential peacekeeping force remain unclear; however, the Ukrainian government has expressed its support for the concept. Conversely, Russia has reiterated its position that any Western military presence in Ukraine would be unacceptable.

President Zelenskiy spoke to multiple leaders worldwide following the Washington talks, characterizing the discussions as a significant step toward ending the conflict and ensuring the security of Ukraine and its citizens. “We are already working on the concrete content of the security guarantees,” he asserted, emphasizing Ukraine’s commitment to achieving peace through partnerships and security assurances.

Moscow, on the other hand, has downplayed the significance of the Washington talks, showing no indication of when a proposed meeting between President Vladimir Putin and President Zelenskiy might occur. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev criticized the diplomatic coalition, stating, “The anti-Russian warmongering coalition of the willing failed to outplay Trump on his turf.”

As the situation evolves, the international community remains focused on finding viable pathways to peace and security for Ukraine.