President says air support could be part of broader security guarantees to help end war in UkraineU.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the United States may offer air support as part of a future peace agreement in Ukraine, while firmly ruling out deploying American troops on the ground. The remarks come amid renewed diplomatic efforts to end Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. President Trump said, “When it comes to security, (Europeans) are willing to put people on the ground. We’re willing to help them with things, especially, probably … by air.” The president did not elaborate on what form such air support might take, but said it would be tied to a broader deal to bring hostilities to an end.

His comments followed an extraordinary summit at the White House on Monday, where Trump pledged new security guarantees to Ukraine signaling a potential shift in U.S. strategy that blends diplomatic pressure with limited military backing.

While the details of the proposed agreement remain unclear, the administration has emphasized avoiding direct military confrontation with Russia. “There will be no American boots on the ground in Ukraine,” a senior White House official confirmed following the summit.

Trump, who returned to office in January 2025, has sought to reframe the U.S. role in global conflicts, pushing for negotiated settlements while reducing direct military involvement abroad. His remarks signal a balancing act: supporting Ukraine’s defense while avoiding deeper military entanglement.

NATO allies, meanwhile, are preparing to assess their collective response. A high-level NATO meeting is set for Wednesday, where U.S. Gen. Dan Caine, chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is expected to attend virtually. Discussions will center around coordination of support and the future of NATO’s strategic posture in Eastern Europe.

The war in Ukraine, now entering its fourth year, has left tens of thousands dead and displaced millions. Efforts to negotiate a ceasefire have repeatedly stalled, though recent diplomatic signals from Moscow, Kyiv, and Western capitals have raised hopes for a breakthrough.