Trump weighs security guarantees for Ukraine: What's off the table

Trump discussed the United States's potential role in a security guarantee for Ukraine, similar to NATO, as part of a possible deal with Russia.

"European and American security guarantees were discussed. US troops on the ground were not discussed or entertained by (Trump -ed.)," one source familiar with the discussions said.

Earlier this week, Zelenskyy said the US had not yet provided security guarantees, noting that only Europe has done so far.

"The trilateral meeting, after the bilateral one, would involve the United States, Ukraine, and Russia. For me, the presence of Europe in one form or another is very important, because ultimately, so far, no one but Europe has provided us with security guarantees," the Ukrainian President added.

Zelenskyy also emphasized that financial support is part of security guarantees, highlighting the importance of funding for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Sources told NBC News that the US measures being discussed would not come with NATO membership.

European leaders released a joint statement earlier Saturday supporting Ukraine's right to pursue EU membership.

"We welcome President Trump's statement that the US is prepared to give security guarantees... No limitations should be placed on Ukraine's Armed Forces or on its cooperation with third countries. Russia cannot have a veto against Ukraine‘s pathway to the EU and NATO," the leaders wrote.

NBC sources said the security guarantees would be activated if Russia reinvades Ukraine after a proposed peace agreement is signed.

Negotiations on the guarantees began last week and involve US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US Vice President J.D. Vance, and Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha.

Meeting in Alaska and Zelenskyy's US visit

Yesterday and overnight on August 16, Trump met with Putin in a summit focused on the war in Ukraine and possible ways to end it. After the summit and a brief press conference, Trump gave an interview to Fox News, spoke with Zelenskyy and European leaders, and posted updates on social media.

Media reports say Putin demanded that Ukrainian forces withdraw from Donbas. As a bargaining chip, he is reportedly willing to halt military actions in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. US officials also expect he may discuss pulling Russian troops from the Sumy and Kharkiv regions.

On Monday, Putin is scheduled to travel to Washington to continue talks on ending the war.