The U.S. Defense Secretary has confirmed that American troops will not be deployed to Ukraine.
Geget said this during a conversation with journalists.
The U.S. Secretary of Defense was asked whether the new administration would be open to sending American troops to Ukraine, particularly to monitor arms deliveries.
“The U.S. does not intend to send troops to Ukraine,” the Pentagon chief responded.
Geget added that European countries must first strengthen their own capabilities, and the U.S. will subsequently assist their “friends” in Europe.
He also noted that President Trump is committed to swiftly reaching an agreement to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
Peacekeepers for Ukraine
Recall that back in February 2024, French President Emmanuel Macron discussed the deployment of his troops to Ukraine during a meeting he organized with partner countries of Kyiv in Paris. However, the states did not reach a consensus on this issue.
In November, the French publication Le Monde reported that some European leaders returned to the discussion about the possible deployment of Western troops to Ukraine due to the potential refusal of newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump to assist Kyiv.
Meanwhile, American media circulated a plan to resolve the war in Ukraine, allegedly proposed by advisors to the newly elected U.S. President.
This plan, in particular, envisions the creation of a demilitarized zone along the frozen frontline between Russia and Ukraine, with security guaranteed by troops from European countries.
President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that partner troops in Ukraine could become one of the best tools to compel Russia to peace. However, he emphasized that the European peacekeeping mission should not replace Ukraine's membership in NATO.
Earlier, there were statements from Italy and Germany about their readiness to send peacekeepers. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius noted that Russia must also agree to the European peacekeeping mission.
At the same time, Poland stated that they do not plan to send their troops.