Russia has categorically rejected the possibility of discussing foreign troop deployment in Ukraine, labeling it as “fundamentally unacceptable” and “security-undermining foreign intervention”.
Maria Zakharova, the Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, emphasized that Moscow would not engage in any format of discussion regarding an international post-conflict security force in Ukraine.
Zakharova’s statement came after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen revealed that the European Union had been working on “pretty precise plans” for deploying a multinational force to Ukraine.
Zakharova urged European leaders to take note of Russia’s stance, warning that they should be aware of the country’s position when discussing the topic.
“Judging by Ukraine’s losses, the European Commission has simply outdone itself,” she added. This development comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders are set to meet in Paris to finalize details of post-conflict security guarantees for Kyiv.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the details of the security guarantees for Ukraine had been worked out but remained “extremely confidential”.
Macron emphasized that the Europeans are ready to offer security guarantees to Ukraine and Ukrainians the day a peace accord is signed. “We are ready, we the Europeans, to offer the security guarantees to Ukraine and Ukrainians the day that a peace [accord] is signed,” Macron said.
However, Russia’s demands for any potential peace agreement include land in four regions it has annexed since 2022, which Kyiv has ruled out ceding.
The divergence in views highlights the complexity of the conflict and the challenges in reaching a peaceful resolution.
United States President Donald Trump’s pledge to bring a swift end to the conflict has also been met with skepticism, given the deep-seated differences between Moscow and Kyiv.
Trump is scheduled to speak with Zelenskyy by phone on Thursday and has expressed his intention to speak to Putin in the coming days.
The diplomatic efforts aim to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict, but the road ahead appears fraught with challenges. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community remains watchful, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
In the midst of these diplomatic efforts, Russia’s position on foreign troop deployment in Ukraine remains firm. Zakharova’s statement serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in finding a solution to the conflict.
As the world watches, the question remains whether these diplomatic engagements will yield a peaceful resolution to the conflict or further entrench the positions of the parties involved.
The situation in Ukraine continues to be a pressing concern for the international community, with the potential for far-reaching consequences.
As diplomatic efforts continue, it remains to be seen how the various parties will navigate the complex web of interests and alliances that define the conflict. One thing is certain, however – the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict has never been more pressing.