Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected Western proposals to deploy a “reassurance force” in Ukraine, warning that any foreign troops sent into the country would be treated as “legitimate targets.” His comments came after a Paris summit where allies pledged security guarantees for Kyiv.
Western allies pledge security support for Ukraine
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that 26 of Ukraine’s allies had committed to providing security assistance “by land, sea, or air” the moment a ceasefire is agreed. He stressed that any troops would not engage directly with Russia but would act as a deterrent against fresh aggression. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the move as a “first concrete step.”
However, Putin dismissed the initiative, insisting that foreign soldiers in Ukraine would only escalate tensions. Speaking at an economic forum in Vladivostok, he said: “If decisions are reached that lead to long-term peace, I see no point in their presence.”
Moscow pushes back against Western plans
Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov praised what he described as former US President Donald Trump’s “constructive efforts” in talks but accused European nations of fueling the conflict. He also said any NATO or allied troops would pose a direct threat to Russia.
Read More: Country Stars Fight Back Against Unruly Concert Behavior
While NATO leaders maintain Moscow has no veto over Ukraine’s sovereignty, Western officials privately admit that placing troops on the ground risks reinforcing Putin’s narrative of a broader conflict with the West.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and other leaders emphasized the need to secure a ceasefire before broader peace talks can succeed. Still, Russia continues to reject any temporary truce, demanding a full settlement instead.
Little sign of peace despite talks
More than three years into the war, Putin said there was “a light at the end of the tunnel,” but he questioned the viability of any deal, citing Ukraine’s conditions, including referendums on occupied territories. Russia claims to have annexed five regions but fully controls only Crimea.
Zelensky has dismissed Moscow’s invitation to hold talks in Russia as unserious, calling instead for neutral ground. Western allies remain committed to pressuring Moscow while strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
September 4, 2025