Former President Donald Trump has stirred fresh hope for a resolution in the Russia-Ukraine conflict by suggesting that the United States may provide air support as part of a broader peace deal. While ruling out deploying U.S. troops on the ground, Trump hinted at aerial assistance—potentially including missile defense systems or fighter jets—to help protect Ukrainian skies.
“When it comes to security, Europeans are willing to put people on the ground. We’re willing to help them with things, especially, probably… by air,” Trump told Fox News. He later described his approach to negotiation as driven by “instinct more than process” in a radio interview.
Why Air Support Matters
- Deterrence and Defense: A no-fly zone or missile defenses could limit the effectiveness of future Russian air raids.
- Global Energy Markets: Russia’s recent drone and missile attacks targeted Ukraine’s only oil refinery in the Poltava region, sparking large fires and supply concerns.
- Diplomatic Leverage: Offering air cover could become a key bargaining chip in high-stakes trilateral talks.
On Monday, Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House, where the two leaders discussed a potential trilateral summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelenskyy hailed the meeting as a “major step forward” toward ending Europe’s most deadly conflict in eight decades.
Russia responded to the summit by launching 270 drones and 10 missiles across Ukraine—its biggest air assault in over a month. The scale of the attack underscores the fragility of the current ceasefire talk and the urgency of robust security guarantees.
Next Steps for Peace Talks
Key stakeholders are now exploring venues—from Budapest to Istanbul to Switzerland—for a possible Putin-Zelenskyy summit. Trump has floated attending if necessary but also suggested he might stay on the sidelines to let the two leaders negotiate directly.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s allies convened in a “Coalition of the Willing” to discuss additional sanctions on Russia and to detail security guarantees. NATO military chiefs are set to meet virtually this week, and U.S. General Dan Caine, chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, may join to align on logistics.
With global markets, human rights advocates, and digital communities all watching closely, the potential for U.S. air support marks a pivotal moment in diplomatic history. Whether instinct-driven or process-oriented, the world awaits concrete plans that could reshape the future of European security—and the broader geopolitical landscape.
Reference(s):
Trump says U.S. may provide air support to back a Ukraine peace deal
cgtn.com
