Putin Rejects Western Plan for Security Force in Ukraine After Paris Summit
Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed Western proposals to station an international “reassurance force” in Ukraine once a ceasefire is in place, a move discussed at a Paris summit aimed at providing long-term security guarantees for Kyiv.
Allies Commit to Post-Ceasefire Protection
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that 26 countries had pledged to support Ukraine by sending troops “by land, sea or air” if the fighting stops. He stressed that the force would not be placed on the front line but would act as a safeguard against further Russian aggression.
“This is not about waging war against Russia, but about protecting Ukraine from another attack,” Macron said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the decision as a “first concrete step” in securing binding commitments from allies.
Putin Issues Warning
Putin quickly rejected the idea, warning that any foreign forces deployed to Ukraine would be treated as legitimate military targets. Speaking at an economic forum in Vladivostok, he argued that such deployments would be unnecessary if genuine peace agreements could be reached.
The Russian leader added that while he was open to contact with Zelensky, he doubted any breakthrough was possible. His spokesman Dmitry Peskov praised U.S. President Donald Trump’s “constructive” attempts at peace talks but accused European leaders of provoking continued conflict.
U.S. Role Still Unclear
Washington has not clarified how far it would go in backing Ukraine. Trump recently hinted that American support would likely take the form of air defense assistance rather than ground troops. Zelensky confirmed that the two had discussed strengthening Ukraine’s air shield.
Dispute Over Peace Talks
Putin invited Zelensky to meet in Moscow, promising security for the visit. Kyiv dismissed the idea, saying Russia was trying to dictate terms while continuing its offensive. Zelensky suggested neutral capitals as more appropriate venues, accusing Moscow of deliberately delaying peace efforts.
NATO and Western Leaders Respond
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said Russia has “no right to veto” decisions on Western troops in Ukraine. “It’s a sovereign nation—it is not for Russia to decide,” he said.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described Western support as an “unbreakable pledge” to Ukraine, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized that the immediate goal must be a ceasefire, followed by strong security guarantees.
Ceasefire Still Out of Reach
Although Putin spoke of a “light at the end of the tunnel,” he insisted Russia would not halt its campaign until a comprehensive peace agreement was reached. Moscow continues to demand recognition of territories it has annexed, though it does not fully control them.
Western governments remain deeply skeptical, viewing Russia’s stance as a stalling tactic to seize more ground. For now, the Paris summit has reinforced allied unity with Kyiv, but the path to an actual ceasefire—and eventual peace—remains distant.