Russia has reiterated its rejection of the proposal to deploy European troops in Ukraine, labeling the plan as ‘unacceptable’ during ongoing diplomatic discussions aimed at ending the conflict. This position was announced as European leaders convened with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and engaged in a joint call with former U.S. President Donald Trump, underscoring the complex dynamics at play in the negotiations.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova emphasized that any form of foreign military intervention in Ukraine would be fundamentally unacceptable to Moscow, as reported by Reuters. Her comments highlight Russia’s firm stance against external involvement in the region, a position that has been consistently reiterated by the Kremlin. Germany, too, has expressed skepticism about the feasibility of such a plan, with Defense Minister Boris Pistorius noting that certain topics should remain off the table prior to formal negotiations.
The European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, had previously proposed the idea of sending European troops to Ukraine, which has drawn strong opposition from both Russia and Germany. Despite these reservations, discussions continue as world leaders seek to find a resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war, which has persisted for over three years since Russia’s 2022 invasion. The diplomatic efforts have been marked by a series of high-level meetings, including the joint call between Zelenskyy and Trump, which Zelenskyy praised for its positive outcome.
While the White House has not released any public statements on the details of the call, Zelenskyy expressed his appreciation for Trump’s efforts and the United States’ continued support for Ukraine. He stated that the discussions focused on how each country could contribute to ensuring Kyiv’s security, reiterating the need to increase support for Ukraine and apply pressure on Russia. The ongoing conflict has significant implications for global stability, and the diplomatic process remains crucial in determining the future of the region.