WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump on Tuesday offered his assurances that US troops would not be sent to help defend Ukraine against Russia after seeming to leave open the possibility the day before. Trump also said in a morning TV interview that Ukraine’s hopes of joining NATO and regaining the Crimean Peninsula from Russia are “impossible.” The Republican president, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other European leaders held hours of talks at the White House on Monday aimed at bringing an end to Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Trump suggests Zelenskyy can end war with Russia, but Crimea and NATO membership for Ukraine are non-negotiable.

US president’s comments may prove a setback for Volodymyr Zelenskyy as he flies to US for crucial Oval Office meeting in wake of Alaska summit