Kyiv, Dec 3 (GeokHub) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Kyiv is in discussions with Washington over the possible deployment of U.S. troops to Ukraine as part of broader security guarantees, while dismissing Russian claims of an alleged attack on President Vladimir Putin’s residence.
In a statement shared via WhatsApp, Zelenskiy emphasized that Ukraine remains committed to negotiations aimed at ending the war triggered by Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion. He also said he is ready to meet Putin in any format, despite the deep lack of mutual trust.
U.S. President Donald Trump indicated over the weekend that discussions with Zelenskiy were “maybe very close” to reaching an agreement, though territorial issues remain unresolved. Trump noted that European nations are expected to take on a substantial portion of any security commitments, with the U.S. providing backing.
Security Guarantees and U.S. Troops
Zelenskiy described a U.S. troop presence in Ukraine as a key factor in bolstering the country’s security posture. “Of course, we are discussing this with President Trump and representatives of the Western coalition. We want this. This would be a strong position of the security guarantees,” he said. The White House has not commented on the potential deployment.
Russian Claims and International Response
Moscow alleged that Ukrainian forces targeted a presidential residence in Russia’s Novgorod region with 91 long-range drones, all reportedly intercepted. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called it “state terrorism” and warned of retaliatory strikes. Zelenskiy, however, called the allegations fabricated, intended to undermine peace talks.
French sources close to President Emmanuel Macron said there is no evidence supporting Moscow’s claims, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk suggested that U.S. security guarantees could pave the way for a peace agreement in the coming weeks, possibly including a limited U.S. troop presence along the front lines.
Ongoing Conflict and Maritime Attacks
Despite ongoing diplomacy, Russia continued drone strikes targeting port infrastructure and civilian ships in Ukraine’s Odesa region, a critical hub for foreign trade and the wartime economy. Ukraine has increasingly employed sea drones against vessels linked to Russia’s sanctions-evasion fleet.
Zelenskiy reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to peace and dialogue, emphasizing the need for Russia to engage seriously in negotiations.
