NATO member ready to send troops to Ukraine

As former US President Donald Trump hosts Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders in Washington this evening, Lithuania has announced its readiness to deploy troops to Ukraine. According to media reports, President Vladimir Putin told Trump during talks in Alaska that there would be no peace without Russian control of the Donbas. For now, however, the region remains under Ukrainian control.

Lithuanian NATO troops could be deployed to Ukraine

According to the Turkish news agency Anadolu, Lithuania has expressed its willingness to send troops to Ukraine. The Baltic state is a member of NATO. The report noted that an exact number of troops has yet to be disclosed, and discussions are ongoing. Dainius Zikevičius, a senior adviser to Lithuania’s president, said Lithuanian troops would also assist in training Ukrainian forces.

On Sunday, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda wrote on X that military aid for Ukraine is “vital” to ensure Kyiv holds a strong position at the negotiating table. He also underlined the need for Ukraine to receive firm security guarantees, including from the United States, and called on the international community to increase pressure on Russia.

Some thoughts after the CoW meeting:
– International pressure must intensify in light of Russia’s refusal to halt the killings.
– Military support is vital for Ukraine to gain leverage in negotiations.
– 🇺🇦 requires genuine security guarantees, including reassurance forces with US backing &…pic.twitter.com/DwcRbgPyzG

— Gitanas Nausėda (@GitanasNauseda) August 17, 2025

The president’s statement followed a virtual meeting of the so-called “coalition of the willing”, which included President Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Participants agreed on the need for a just and lasting peace.

Russia may receive control of unconquered territories

The New York Times, citing senior European officials, earlier reported that Trump may be willing to cede Ukrainian territory to Russia—potentially including parts of the Donbas still under Ukrainian control. President Zelensky has rejected the proposal, warning that such an arrangement would invite a renewed Russian offensive by dismantling Ukraine’s hardened defences and forcing troops to abandon fortified positions.