President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday that the U.S. would not offer security guarantees or NATO membership to Ukraine ahead of President Volodyr Zelensky’s visit to finalize a deal on natural resources. Trump emphasized that European allies would be responsible for Ukraine’s security, asserting that the U.S. presence would provide some automatic security. He ruled out Ukrainian NATO membership, aligning with Russia’s position that it sparked the invasion. Trump aimed to negotiate a favorable deal for Ukraine while suggesting that his diplomacy was fostering compromise from Russia. European leaders, including France’s Macron and UK’s Starmer, seek U.S. support for any security arrangements.
Washington:
On Wednesday, President Donald Trump stated that there would be no US security guarantees or NATO membership offered to Ukraine as President Volodymyr Zelensky readied for a visit aimed at finalizing a deal for the transfer of natural resources.
Trump has significantly altered US policy by engaging with Russia and advocating for a swift conclusion to the three-year conflict, indicating that European allies would need to take on the responsibility for Ukraine’s security.
During a cabinet meeting briefing to reporters, Trump mentioned Zelensky’s visit scheduled for Friday, where he is expected to sign the agreement following intense US pressure regarding the transfer of rare earth minerals essential for aerospace and other technologies.
“It’s a tremendous deal for Ukraine as well, as they secure our presence over there,” Trump stated.
“We will be on the ground, and this provides a kind of automatic security since no one will dare to interfere with our personnel while we’re present,” he added.
However, Trump dismissed the possibility of the United States extending more formal security guarantees as requested by Kyiv.
“Europe will take the lead on that,” he asserted. “Europe is their immediate neighbor, and we will ensure everything proceeds smoothly.”
When questioned about the concessions necessary to conclude the war, he dismissed the prospect of Ukrainian membership in NATO, reiterating Russia’s argument that this was a catalyst for its invasion.
“Forget about NATO,” Trump declared. “I believe that was probably the spark that ignited the entire situation.”
Former President Joe Biden has expressed support for Ukraine’s eventual NATO membership but did not provide a specific timeline.
On Monday, the United States sided with Russia at the United Nations, opposing nearly all European allies with a resolution that called for an end to the conflict without emphasizing Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
“We aim to negotiate the best possible deal for both parties,” Trump stated on Wednesday.
“For Ukraine, we will put in substantial effort to secure a favorable agreement to retrieve as much as they can.”
Trump asserted that his diplomatic approach was encouraging a newfound willingness to compromise from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who previously “desired complete control” over Ukraine.
“He’s an astute individual, very shrewd,” Trump commented regarding Putin.
“I believe we will reach an agreement. Had I not been elected, I think he would have continued advancing through Ukraine.”
French President Emmanuel Macron informed Trump on Monday that European countries would contemplate sending troops to safeguard any agreement, although US backing was deemed essential for ensuring security.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is anticipated to present a similar perspective when he meets Trump on Thursday.
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