Trump counters NATO's collective defence proposal for Ukraine Despite Potential Peacekeeper Deployment

US President Donald Trump has stated that he sees no justification for invoking NATO's principle of collective defence concerning the situation in Ukraine, even if European peacekeepers are deployed there.

Speaking at a joint press conference with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the White House following their bilateral talks, Trump affirmed his support for NATO's collective defence, but emphasised that he did not believe the mechanism would be necessary in this case, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

When asked about the potential deployment of European peacekeepers to Ukraine, Trump replied, "I support [the principle of NATO's collective defence], but I don’t think we will have any reason to [use] this [mechanism]."

To recap, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer used his visit to Washington on February 27 to press President Donald Trump not to abandon Ukraine in its battle against Russia. Starmer emphasized the importance of securing a historic peace deal that would be celebrated globally, while urging Trump to remain cautious in his pursuit of ending the war.

In his talks with Trump, Starmer acknowledged the "tremendous opportunity" for peace, but cautioned against rushing into an agreement that could concede too much to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump, while confident that a peace deal is “very well advanced,” warned that time is running out to strike a deal. He expressed faith that Putin would honour any agreement, despite concerns about the Russian leader’s past record of reneging on deals.

Starmer’s visit follows similar discussions held by French President Emmanuel Macron earlier this week, with both leaders voicing growing European concern over Trump’s approach to the war in Ukraine. Starmer emphasized the need for the US to remain a stabilising force in the conflict, ensuring that any truce is enforced.

By Aghakazim Guliyev