US envoy rules out direct NATO troop deployment in Russia conflict

US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said a direct Russian attack on the Alliance is unlikely in the near term, citing Russian forces being bogged down in Ukraine with heavy losses. He also ruled out direct US troop involvement in a potential conflict. Speaking on Fox Business on September 2, Whitaker responded to European concerns about Russian aggression, including CIA Director John Ratcliffe's secret Moscow visit and Poland's warning of a possible attack within six months. He dismissed these scenarios, noting Russia's inability to advance on the front. Whitaker stated the US is transferring responsibility for continental defense to European partners, though America remains deployed and ready. He said President Trump supports ending the war, but Ukraine and Russia must negotiate, adding that Ukraine must be able to defend itself until the conflict concludes.