NEW YORK, February 23. /TASS/. Washington has made it clear that no US servicemen will be deployed to Ukraine, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth told Fox News.
When asked whether US forces could be deployed to Ukraine, he gave a negative answer. "We’ve been very clear about that. US troops will not be on the ground in Ukraine. But an economic partnership is important," he said.
At the same time, the Pentagon chief noted that "on the continent, Europe should lead [in providing security]." "It’s very encouraging to see European leaders saying ‘we’re prepared to step in in Ukraine and help provide security guarantees.’ We welcome that," he added.
Earlier, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing sources, that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer may present a draft version of the plan to deploy British and French peacekeepers in Ukraine to US President Donald Trump on February 27. It is noted that London and Paris would like to receive fire support from Washington should their peacekeepers find themselves in danger. As part of the plan, France and Britain want to deploy ground and air forces, as well as the navy.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko told TASS that Russia has a negative attitude regarding the idea of deploying European peacekeepers in Ukraine. According to him, this is a step toward escalation.