Trump refuses U.S. troops in Ukraine but hints at air support as peace talks stall

• Trump rules out U.S. ground troops in Ukraine but leaves open the possibility of air support despite escalation risks.
• Russia’s relentless strikes show Putin won’t back down while Zelensky’s refusal to compromise prolongs the war.
• U.S. taxpayers have already spent $175 billion on a conflict that enriches defense contractors but drains America’s resources.
• Trump pushes for direct talks between Zelensky and Putin, urging compromise to end the war before it spirals further.
• The only way to stop the bleeding is to cut funding, force real negotiations, and refocus on America’s own priorities.

When President Donald Trump sat down with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky this week, one message was crystal clear: not one American soldier will be sent to die in Ukraine’s endless war. Yet even as Trump rules out boots on the ground, he’s floating the idea of air support, raising questions about how far the U.S. should go to bankroll a conflict that shows no signs of ending.

The timing couldn’t be more critical. Just hours after Zelensky’s White House visit, Russia launched its largest drone and missile assault in more than a month, striking Ukrainian energy facilities with 270 drones and 10 missiles. The message? Putin isn’t backing down. Meanwhile, Trump is pushing for direct talks between Zelensky and Putin, possibly in Budapest or Istanbul, while making it clear that America won’t be the world’s policeman forever.

No US troops, but what about air power?

Trump’s stance is firm: “You have my assurance,” he told Fox News. “I’m just trying to stop people from being killed.” He’s right to be cautious. This war has already cost over a million casualties, and Ukraine is losing 5,000 to 7,000 soldiers a week—a staggering toll for a conflict that never should have happened under competent leadership.

Yet even as Trump rejects ground troops, he’s leaving the door open for air support, whether it’s through missile defense systems, fighter jets, or other means. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed it’s “an option and a possibility,” although details remain vague. The problem? Any U.S. military involvement risks escalation, and once we’re in, getting out becomes nearly impossible.

Zelensky’s unreasonable demands keep the war burning

The real obstacle to peace isn’t just Putin; it’s Zelensky’s refusal to accept reality. For years, he’s insisted on total victory, demanding all lost territory back and NATO membership—conditions Putin will never accept. Meanwhile, American taxpayers keep footing the bill, with $175 billion already spent on a war that enriches defense contractors while draining our economy.

Trump’s approach? “Both sides are going to have to walk away a little bit unhappy.” That means compromise, which is something Zelensky has resisted at every turn. Yet even now, with European allies pushing for security guarantees, the question remains: How much longer will America fund a war that Zelensky won’t end?

Putin’s game: Stalling while Ukraine bleeds

Russia’s latest massive strike proves one thing: Putin isn’t serious about peace… yet. Kremlin officials dismissed Trump’s diplomatic push as “pure spectacle,” while Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov insisted any talks must be “prepared with the utmost thoroughness.” Translation? They’ll drag this out as long as possible.

Meanwhile, Zelensky’s sudden willingness to meet Putin after years of refusal suggests he’s feeling the pressure. With U.S. aid drying up and European patience wearing thin, he knows the money won’t last forever. But will he finally accept a deal, or keep gambling with Ukrainian lives?

The real solution: Stop funding endless war

Trump’s instincts are right: This war should never have started. If America had a real leader in 2020—someone who prioritized diplomacy over regime change—we wouldn’t be in this mess. Now, with NATO expansion, skyrocketing defense spending, and a potential three-front war looming, the time to cut losses and push for peace is now.

For too long, Washington has treated Ukraine like its open-ended ATM, sending weapons and cash with no accountability. Trump’s refusal to deploy troops is a step in the right direction, but unless we stop funding this forever war, American blood and treasure will keep being wasted.

The only real solution? Cut off the money, demand real negotiations, and bring our focus back home. Because if we don’t, this war will drag on for years, and the only winners will be the military-industrial complex, not the American people.

Sources for this article include:

YourNews.com

News.Sky.com

BBC.co.uk

Reuters.com