Russia has dismissed Western plans to provide security guarantees for Ukraine through the presence of foreign troops, saying such a move would be unacceptable.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told Russian state media that European or American military forces could not play a role in ensuring Ukraine’s security, a stance rejected by Kyiv and its allies.
The Russian response came after French President Emmanuel Macron hosted a summit in Paris with 35 nations, which he described as a “Coalition of the Willing.”
Macron said 26 allies had committed to backing Ukraine the moment a ceasefire is agreed, with pledges of support by land, sea, or air.
President Donald Trump, who recently met Vladimir Putin in Alaska, indicated that Washington’s role could “probably” involve air power.
Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky pressed for stronger air defenses, stressing that protecting the skies remains vital.
European leaders also addressed the economic side of the war. Trump urged the EU to accelerate its plan to end Russian oil and gas imports, pointing out that energy revenues still fuel Moscow’s military campaign.
The bloc has already set a 2027 deadline for halting purchases, but Russia remains a major supplier.
Despite talk of a ceasefire framework, Russia has continued to send troops into Ukraine, with new attacks reported this week.
Two mine clearance workers were killed in northern Ukraine, while fighting also intensified in the east.
Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz said a ceasefire must be the first step, followed by “strong security guarantees” for Kyiv.
NATO chief Mark Rutte rejected Moscow’s attempts to dictate terms, arguing Ukraine is sovereign and free to accept allied support.
Meanwhile, Putin suggested Zelensky could travel to Moscow for talks, an offer dismissed as unacceptable by Ukraine. With both sides divided, prospects for peace remain uncertain.