Western capitals are accelerating their search for a framework to end the Ukraine war, as President Donald Trump pledged to backstop a European military presence with U.S. air power but drew a sharp line against sending American soldiers. European governments are floating security guarantee models that echo NATO commitments, while the Kremlin continues to resist any foreign deployments in Ukraine and remains ambiguous about a potential Putin–Zelensky summit. The gap between Ukrainian and Russian demands on territory, neutrality and sanctions shows how difficult a negotiated settlement remains.

Trump’s Promise: Air Power Without Ground Troops

Trump has repeatedly told allies that while “Europeans are willing to put people on the ground,” the U.S. will restrict its role to air power. Options include fighter aircraft, drones, surveillance platforms, transport, and air-defense cover. Officials briefed on the planning said the U.S. could “backstop” a European presence, providing both deterrence and rapid strike capability if Russia threatened a truce. “We’re willing to help them… by air,” Trump said, adding there would be “no boots on the ground.”

Europe’s “Reassurance Force” in Ukraine

• Initial Size: Draft plans ranged from 30,000 troops to a smaller 3,000–5,000-person contingent.
• Deployment Model: Units stationed away from front lines, securing airports, logistics hubs, and training centers.
• Participants: France signaled willingness to lead with several thousand troops; the U.K. may focus on air support.
• Mandate: Guard critical infrastructure, deter further Russian attacks, and reinforce Ukrainian defense structures.

NATO-like guarantees are being discussed, possibly including Article-5-style commitments without formal NATO expansion, in order to give Ukraine cover while keeping the alliance itself outside direct war obligations.

Moscow’s Stance: “Unequivocal” No to Foreign Troops

Despite Trump’s suggestions that Putin could accept a European mission in exchange for Ukraine renouncing NATO membership, Russia’s Foreign Ministry declared:

“We unequivocally reject any scenarios involving the deployment of NATO military contingents in Ukraine… [it risks] uncontrollable escalation.”

Maria Zakharova, Russian MFA

Kremlin officials continue to demand demilitarization of Ukraine, legal recognition of Russia’s territorial claims, and binding neutrality clauses. Ukrainian officials, by contrast, insist they cannot accept the loss of territory or abandon their aspirations for NATO and EU membership.

The Meeting Question: Will Putin Sit with Zelensky?

Washington has pressed hard for a direct meeting between Putin and Zelensky, calling it the only way to finalize a ceasefire framework. Russia has not confirmed such a summit, instead preferring expert-level, phased negotiations.

• Venues discussed: Budapest is the leading candidate, though Switzerland has offered to host and floated legal immunity for Putin.
• Trump’s influence: He favors rapid talks but has floated controversial ideas, including territorial exchanges, a proposal rejected by Kyiv and opposed by most Ukrainians.

As one European diplomat put it, “The format will reveal whether this is about a real settlement or just a truce to regroup.”

Territorial and Security Demands

• Russia: Recognition of annexed territories, demilitarization parameters, NATO renunciation, and sanctions removal.
• Ukraine: No territorial concessions, return of abducted children, NATO/EU trajectory secured, and binding Western guarantees.
• Trump’s position: Open to discussing sanctions relief and even territorial swaps, though Kyiv views such proposals as unconstitutional.

The EU continues to debate how to use frozen Russian central bank assets—either as collateral for reconstruction or through tapping accrued interest. Moscow demands all sanctions lifted outright.

Humanitarian Issues: Children and Prisoners

Zelensky has pushed the plight of deported Ukrainian children to the top of the agenda. European mediators support linking their return with prisoner swaps. Western diplomats say this issue could serve as an early confidence-building step if Russia shows flexibility.

For now, the push for a settlement hangs in the balance: Western leaders weigh security guarantees and air support pledges, Russia resists foreign troops, and Kyiv insists it will not surrender land. Until Putin and Zelensky meet face to face—or one side shifts its stance—the prospect of a durable peace remains uncertain, with Ukraine’s fate still tied to the battlefield as much as the negotiating table.