Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed Western proposals to deploy international troops in Ukraine following a potential ceasefire, warning that any foreign forces would be considered “legitimate targets” by Russia. His comments came after a high-level summit in Paris, where 26 nations, led by France and the UK, pledged to offer immediate security guarantees to Ukraine once hostilities cease.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that allied forces could be deployed “by land, sea or air” to uphold Ukraine’s security and deter further aggression. However, specific troop commitments remain undisclosed. Macron emphasized that these deployments would be defensive and would not aim to engage Russia militarily.
Putin strongly opposed the idea, asserting that the presence of foreign troops—even as a peacekeeping force—would pose a direct threat to Russia. Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, he suggested there was little value in talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, citing fundamental disagreements on key issues.
While Putin expressed openness to future dialogue and even hosting a summit in Moscow, Zelensky dismissed the offer, saying it underscored Russia’s lack of seriousness in pursuing peace. Western leaders, too, see Putin’s overtures as a delay tactic aimed at gaining more ground militarily before engaging in negotiations.
US President Donald Trump, who recently met with Putin in Alaska, hinted at supporting Ukraine primarily through air support rather than ground forces. He has maintained ongoing dialogue with both Putin and Zelensky, though details remain vague. Ukraine, meanwhile, insists a ceasefire must precede any broader peace agreement.
Moscow has controversially insisted that it should serve as a guarantor of Ukrainian security—an idea flatly rejected by Kyiv and its allies. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized that Ukraine, as a sovereign state, has the right to choose its security partners without Russian interference.
Despite calls for peace, Russia continues its military operations across Ukraine, with little sign of a near-term resolution. Putin reiterated that any lasting peace would need to consider Russia’s strategic concerns and criticized European efforts as provocative.
With over three years of war behind them, Ukraine and its partners continue to push for a ceasefire that could pave the way for stronger international security commitments—though Putin’s latest statements suggest the road ahead remains fraught with obstacles.
