Zelenskiy Talks U.S. Troop Support and Peace Plans with Trump

Post by : Saif Nasser

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has said that Kyiv is discussing the possible presence of U.S. troops in Ukraine as part of stronger security guarantees. He also raised what he described as a false report of an attack on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s residence during talks with former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Zelenskiy told the media that Ukraine remains committed to ending the war caused by Russia’s 2022 invasion. He said he is ready to meet Putin in any format to achieve peace. “I told President Trump and European leaders I am ready for any format of meeting with Putin. I am not afraid of any format. The main thing is for Russians not to be afraid,” Zelenskiy said.

Trump earlier said that an agreement to end the war could be close, although territorial issues remain unresolved. He suggested that European countries would take on most of the peacekeeping responsibilities, supported by the United States.

Russia has accused Ukraine of attacking a presidential residence in the Novgorod region using 91 long-range drones. Ukraine called this claim “completely false,” saying it was meant to justify more attacks and slow down peace talks. French officials also stated there was no evidence to support the Russian claims.

Despite the allegations, the Kremlin has not provided proof of the reported attack. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called the incident “state terrorism” and warned of possible retaliatory strikes, while still keeping the door open for negotiations.

The conflict is also intensifying at sea. Ukrainian officials reported further Russian drone attacks on ports and civilian ships near Odesa, a key region for trade and the wartime economy. Ukraine has responded by using sea drones against ships connected to Russia’s sanctions-busting operations.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed hope that peace could be achieved within weeks with U.S. security support. He mentioned the possibility of U.S. troops being deployed to the front lines, though no details have been confirmed, and the White House has not commented.

Zelenskiy’s discussions with Trump show Ukraine’s efforts to secure international protection while pursuing negotiations to end the war. The situation remains tense, with Russian accusations and ongoing attacks complicating diplomacy.

The outcome of these talks could have a major impact on Ukraine’s security and the future of the conflict, which has lasted nearly four years.