Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed Western proposals to deploy a “reassurance force” in Ukraine following any potential ceasefire, warning that foreign troops on Ukrainian soil would be considered legitimate targets by Moscow.
His warning came just one day after a Paris summit, where French President Emmanuel Macron announced that 26 allied nations had agreed in principle to contribute forces—by land, sea, or air—to help secure Ukraine in the immediate aftermath of hostilities.
“This force does not aim to fight Russia,” Macron emphasized. “Its mission is to prevent any renewed aggression—not to take up positions on the front line.”
Macron declined to specify which countries would participate, and U.S. involvement remains under discussion.
Putin was quick to push back against the initiative, describing any foreign troop presence—even in planning—as a security threat to Russia.
“Even the appearance of such forces, despite no confirmed deployments, would be viewed as dangerous,” Putin said Friday.
He also cast doubt on the likelihood of peace talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, following last month’s high-profile Alaska summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, which briefly raised hopes of a potential breakthrough.
“I’m open to talks with the Ukrainian leader,” Putin said, “but I see little point. It’s nearly impossible to reach agreement with Kyiv on the most important issues.”
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov praised Trump’s diplomatic approach, calling it “very constructive,” but lashed out at European governments for allegedly fueling continued conflict.
“What we are witnessing from European countries are outrageous efforts to provoke the continuation of this war,” Peskov said.
In the weeks since the Alaska talks, the “Coalition of the Willing”—led by France and the UK—has worked to craft a framework for post-ceasefire security guarantees, including a reassurance force that would support Ukraine’s defense and oversee the implementation of any peace terms.
President Zelensky welcomed the Paris summit outcome, calling it “the first concrete step” toward a more secure future for Ukraine.
While Macron said U.S. involvement would be clarified in the coming days, President Trump hinted that American support would likely come via air cover, rather than boots on the ground.
Zelensky confirmed he had spoken to Trump about the need for “maximum protection of Ukraine’s skies,” while Trump, for his part, claimed he was maintaining a “very good dialogue” with both sides.
“I expect to speak with President Putin again soon,” Trump added.
Putin also acknowledged the ongoing communication, describing his conversations with Trump as part of an “open dialogue.”
As discussions continue, the future of any ceasefire agreement appears increasingly uncertain, with the Kremlin’s hardline stance casting doubt over Europe’s efforts to de-escalate the conflict and prevent a resurgence in fighting.
