The British newspaper The Telegraph, citing its sources, reported that U. S. President Donald Trump is holding talks with European partners on the possible deployment of American private military companies (PMCs) in Ukraine.

According to the source quoted by The Telegraph, U. S. PMCs could be stationed in Ukraine as part of a long-term peace plan. The publication noted that such a deployment would serve as a workaround, since the U.S. president has publicly promised that no American soldiers will be sent to Ukraine.

As the newspaper explained, American PMCs, which are not part of the official armed forces of the United States, could be used in Ukraine to help rebuild fortifications, establish new military bases, and provide protection for American businesses operating in the country.

Earlier, Trump had stated that London, Paris, and Berlin were seeking to place their troops in Ukraine. At the same time, he reaffirmed that as long as he remains in the White House, U.S. military personnel would not be sent there.

Meanwhile, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has repeatedly emphasized that any scenario involving the deployment of NATO member-state troops on Ukrainian territory is entirely unacceptable for Moscow.