The introduction of the “air support option” by the United States could be a game-changer in the ongoing talks about Ukraine’s future security. This proposal, floated by President Trump, offers a new form of U.S. commitment that stops short of sending ground troops.
The option was raised as Trump clarified the limits of U.S. military involvement. While ruling out “boots on the ground,” he specifically mentioned airpower as a way Washington could help. “Nobody has stuff we have,” he remarked, highlighting America’s unique capabilities. The White House has since confirmed this is a possibility under review.
This potential contribution could significantly strengthen the security guarantees being developed for Ukraine. It provides a credible deterrent without crossing the politically sensitive red line of deploying U.S. soldiers into a direct combat role.
The discussion of this option is happening as the U.S. pushes for a broader peace deal, centered on a summit between President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The White House is aiming for this meeting to happen within two weeks, though Moscow has yet to publicly agree to this rapid schedule.