Donald Trump rules out American boots on ground in Ukraine but says US Air Force could patrol skies

WATCH: Sir Ed Davey reacts to US-Ukraine talks 'I still fear Trump is driven by desire for a deal with President Putin'

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GB NEWS

Sophie Little

By Sophie Little


Published: 20/08/2025

- 03:37

Updated: 20/08/2025

- 03:39

More than 30 European countries have pledged to provide military support to Ukraine after a peace settlement is made

The US President has announced the US Air Force is prepared to patrol the skies above Ukraine in order to ensure peace.

However, Donald Trump declared there would be no US boots on the ground if a peace deal is agreed while clarifying plans for American security guarantees.


It is believed US air support would likely include planes and missiles launched from neighbouring countries.

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The US President told Fox News: "We're willing to help them with things, especially, probably talk about by air, because there's nobody [that has the] kind of stuff we have."

While statements from Mr Trump remain broad and lacking in specifics, he has confirmed he is not willing to put boots on the ground after a peace settlement.

However, more than 30 European countries have made this pledge.

It comes after an extensive meeting took place on Monday at the White House between Volodymyr Zelensky, Mr Trump and numerous top European leaders.

Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump

PICTURED: Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump during their meeting on Monday

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REUTERS

Then, on Tuesday Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron sent military chiefs, including Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the Chief of the Defence Staff, to Washington for discussions regarding how the US could contribute to their plans.

The Prime Minister co-chaired a meeting of more than 30 leaders alongside the French President.

The meeting involved the nations making up the Coalition of the Willing, including Japan, Canada and New Zealand.

A spokesman for No10 said: "The Prime Minister outlined that Coalition of the Willing planning teams would meet with their US counterparts in the coming days to further strengthen plans to deliver robust security guarantees."

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Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron

PICTURED: Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron discussing together during the White House summit on Monday

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REUTERS

A European source said: "Defence officials are now working on concrete security guarantees... we will see in a week."

It is thought the latest proposed plans could include military trainers being sent to Ukraine in order to help the country rebuild its armed forces.

With the aim of reopening commercial aviation, Western fighter jets could be used to patrol the skies while a Black Sea naval task force could help to secure important shipping routes.

Plans regarding European deployment previously drawn up by coalition officials included US fighter jets and missiles being on standby in Eastern Europe in order to respond should Russia break the terms of any peace deal.

Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump

PICTURED: Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump during their meeting in Alaska on Friday

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REUTERS

The UK, alongside the European Union, are understood to be preparing to implement new sanctions on Russia if Vladimir Putin refuses to attend talks with Mr Zelensky and Mr Trump.

A senior Government source said: "If Putin was to delay, prevaricate, or refuse to talk that would provide another impetus for sanctions."

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said both the Russian and Ukrainian leaders had expressed a willingness to engage in direct talks.

However, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, who led the Nato alliance from 2009 to 2014, argued that Mr Putin is just playing for time has no real intention to end the war.

He told the Ukrainecast podcast: "President Putin is not interested in peace.

"That's why he convinced President Trump not to let a ceasefire be the first point in the peace process, btu go directly to peace negotiations."

Mr Rasmussen added: "Europe must take its destiny in its own hands.

"Ant I think the first important step in that direction would be to drop a reassurance force to Ukraine."

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