Egypt Daily News – U.S. President Donald Trump emphasized that Ukraine’s accession to NATO (the North Atlantic Treaty Organization) will not happen, ending an argument used by Russian President Vladimir Putin to justify the war against Kyiv three years ago.
During a press conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is visiting Washington in an attempt to persuade the U.S. to maintain its support for Ukraine, Trump indicated that he would “certainly try to restore as much territory as possible for Ukraine” in negotiations with Russia.
The U.S. president also avoided agreeing to provide so-called “security guarantees” to any European peacekeeping force in Ukraine, stressing that the priority should be to end the war and reach an agreement.
Trump suggested that instead of offering explicit security guarantees, the presence of American workers on the ground implementing an agreement to be signed on Friday, which grants access to Ukraine’s vital minerals, might deter Russia from launching a new attack.
He also touched on the agreement during his remarks, noting that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit Washington on Friday to sign the deal, which he described as “American support for Ukraine.” Trump added, “We need the rare minerals,” referring to the agreement.
Slowing Down Negotiations with Russia
Trump’s remarks reflect the challenge facing Starmer and his European allies, as the British prime minister makes a final diplomatic push to urge Trump to slow down his efforts to negotiate directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
This initiative has raised concerns in many foreign capitals, with fears escalating that Trump might force Ukraine to make significant concessions that bolster Russian military gains, potentially marginalizing European allies and fracturing the transatlantic alliance.
He also noted that “Russia is behaving very well,” describing security guarantees as “easy” but emphasizing that reaching an agreement is more challenging.
The United Kingdom and France are working on a plan that includes deploying some ground troops and air defense systems to ensure Ukraine’s security. However, the implementation of this plan depends on U.S. support and security guarantees that Putin will not launch a new war against Ukraine.
When asked about concerns that Putin might seek another war against Ukraine after signing any agreement, Trump downplayed the likelihood of this happening.
He said, “I don’t think so. I think when we have an agreement, it will be the final agreement.” He added that his bet on reaching a deal with Putin relies on his relationship with the Russian president, which has drawn scrutiny due to his previous efforts to strengthen ties with Moscow during his first term.
Trump added, “I’ve known him for a long time now, and I don’t think he would break his promise.”
Trump Walks Back Earlier Remarks
Trump appeared to backtrack on comments he made earlier this month, in which he described Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a “dictator,” drawing criticism from U.S. lawmakers and foreign allies.
Trump said, “Did I say that? I can’t believe I said that.” However, he noted that his relationship with the Ukrainian president has become “strained recently.”
Diplomatic Efforts to Pressure Trump
Starmer’s visit comes amid high hopes, as the Labour prime minister seeks to address a crisis with critical implications for Ukraine, NATO, and U.S.-British relations. French President Emmanuel Macron, who met with Trump on Monday, also pushed for support for a security guarantee during a week filled with diplomatic activity.
However, during his meeting with his French counterpart, Trump did not commit to any European role in negotiations with Russia or to providing security guarantees, a position he reiterated during a cabinet meeting earlier this week.
At the time, Trump said, “I won’t provide major security guarantees; we’ll let Europe do that.”
The U.S. president also expressed his inclination to support the British agreement regarding relinquishing control over the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean, where the U.S. and the UK share a military base.
