White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt denied reports claiming President Donald Trump was planning to deport 240,000 Ukrainians living in the U.S. as a measure against President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Leavitt labeled the report from Reuters as “fake news,” stating that no decision had been made regarding the Ukrainians’ legal status.
The claim surfaced amid U.S.-Ukraine negotiations over a ceasefire in the ongoing war with Russia and a potential deal involving Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, essential for high-tech industries. While no deportations are planned, Trump did announce the suspension of U.S. military aid to Ukraine, contingent on Zelensky agreeing to a ceasefire or signing the minerals deal.
Zelensky proposed a partial ceasefire framework, and the aid freeze has raised concerns about Ukraine’s military strength. Despite tensions, Trump expressed willingness to repair relations, and Zelensky sought clarity on the aid situation.
