plowunited.net – Russian President Vladimir Putin firmly rejected Western proposals to deploy a “reassurance force” in Ukraine. His decision followed a Paris summit where 26 of Ukraine’s allies committed to supporting Kyiv as soon as a ceasefire begins. French President Emmanuel Macron said the allies could send troops by land, sea, or air, although he did not name the countries involved.
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Macron emphasized that the planned deployment would aim to deter further aggression, not to engage Russian forces directly. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the commitments, calling them the “first concrete step” towards security guarantees. He noted it was still too early to discuss specific numbers but confirmed foreign troops would arrive once fighting stopped.
Putin dismissed the idea, warning that any troops entering Ukraine would become “legitimate targets,” especially if deployed before a peace agreement. Speaking at an economic forum in Vladivostok, he said foreign troop presence would be pointless if a lasting peace deal is reached. However, Putin also reiterated Russia’s readiness to comply with any agreement that ensures long-term stability.
The Paris initiative builds on momentum from last month’s Alaska summit between Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump. That meeting briefly raised hopes for a three-way summit involving Ukraine. However, Putin expressed doubts about meaningful talks with Kyiv, claiming the Ukrainian side remains unwilling to compromise on core issues.
Despite these concerns, Trump described ongoing dialogue with Putin as “very good” and hinted that U.S. support for Ukraine could include air defense measures. Zelensky confirmed he had discussed aerial security with Trump. While the U.S. has not committed troops, Trump said American involvement would “probably” focus on protecting Ukraine’s skies.
Russia Pushes Back on Western Security Role as Conflict Grinds On
Russia has categorically rejected being excluded from any post-war security framework for Ukraine. Moscow insists it must act as one of the guarantors of Ukraine’s future security, a demand Kyiv and its allies have flatly rejected. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte responded firmly, stating that Russia holds no veto over the presence of Western troops in a sovereign Ukraine.
Western leaders believe that Russia is using diplomatic overtures to buy time and secure more territory. Putin, recently seen with Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, claimed Russia’s military is advancing on all fronts. Meanwhile, Moscow continues to oppose any ceasefire without a comprehensive peace agreement in place.
Putin offered to host a summit with Zelensky in Moscow and promised full security. Zelensky dismissed the proposal, calling it unserious. Neutral cities have been proposed, but Putin complained about what he termed “excessive demands” from Ukraine and its allies. Still, Zelensky affirmed Kyiv’s openness to any format that could lead to meaningful talks.
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Some European diplomats cited the Korean Peninsula as a model, where a long-standing ceasefire exists without a peace treaty. They argue a similar framework in Ukraine could hold, especially if backed by an international force. While the U.S. and several allies remain cautious, the UK and France have taken the lead in pushing forward the initiative.
As Russia continues its 42-month war in Ukraine, prospects for a ceasefire remain uncertain. However, Western nations appear determined to ensure that any future agreement comes with strong and lasting guarantees for Ukraine’s security.
