Zelensky: "Discussing Stationing U.S. Troops in Ukraine with Trump"

Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, announced on December 30 (local time) that he is discussing the possibility of stationing U.S. troops in Ukraine as part of security guarantees with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Reuters reported that President Zelensky made these remarks during a conversation with reporters via WhatsApp Messenger on the same day.

Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

President Zelensky stated that the presence of U.S. troops in Ukraine would be a significant benefit to Ukraine's security. He said, "I am discussing this issue with President Trump and leaders of the Western alliance," adding, "We want this (the stationing of U.S. troops), and it would be a strong position for security guarantees."

However, the White House has not made any comments regarding the possibility of stationing U.S. troops.

Additionally, President Zelensky emphasized that he is ready to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He said, "I told President Trump and European leaders that I am prepared to meet with Putin in any format," adding, "I am not afraid of any form of meeting. The most important question is whether Russia is afraid."

President Zelensky met with President Trump at the Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, United States, on December 28 for negotiations on ending the Russia-Ukraine war. He is also scheduled to attend the 'Coalition of Will' summit with European leaders in Paris, France, on January 6 next month.

Regarding Russia's claim that Ukraine attacked President Putin's residence immediately after his meeting with President Trump, Zelensky strongly denied it, calling it "a typical Russian lie." He added, "It is a complete fabrication designed to justify further attacks on Ukraine," and "It only demonstrates that Russia will not take the necessary steps to end the war."

Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Ukraine attacked President Putin's residence in Novgorod Oblast with a drone the day after President Trump and President Zelensky met on December 28. However, France and other Western countries countered that Russia has not provided any direct evidence to support its claim.