Moscow (KAAB TV) – Russian President Vladimir Putin has sharply criticized Western proposals to send troops to Ukraine immediately following any future ceasefire, describing such actions as provocations that could derail any prospects for peace. His comments came a day after a high-level summit in Paris aimed at finalizing a long-term security framework for Ukraine.
The summit, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, saw 26 of Ukraine’s allies reportedly pledge to contribute military forces — including ground, naval, and air units — to help guarantee Ukraine’s sovereignty and security once active hostilities subside. However, Macron did not disclose the names of the participating countries, citing diplomatic sensitivities and ongoing coordination.
Despite the effort to plan for post-war stability, President Putin warned that any foreign troops sent to Ukraine — even under a peacekeeping or stabilization mandate — would be considered “legitimate targets” by Russia. “Especially if they are deployed now, in the absence of a ceasefire, it would only escalate the conflict,” Putin said during a press briefing in Moscow.
Putin’s remarks reflect the growing skepticism in Moscow regarding Western intentions, particularly as diplomatic channels appear to be stagnating. Hopes for a ceasefire have dwindled in recent weeks following a brief and largely symbolic meeting between Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump last month in Alaska. During that encounter, the leaders floated the idea of a possible trilateral discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, but no concrete plans materialized.
On Friday, Putin stated that he remains open to dialogue with Zelensky but expressed doubt about the feasibility of meaningful negotiations. “I am willing to engage in talks, but frankly, I don’t see much potential,” he said. “Why? Because it has become nearly impossible to find agreement with the Ukrainian side on key matters.”
Former President Trump echoed Putin’s disillusionment in a statement on his social media platform, writing: “It seems we have lost India and Russia and surrendered to the deepest, darkest China,” in reference to a recent summit in Tianjin, where the leaders of Russia, India, and China met for strategic discussions. The post included a photograph of the three leaders standing together, suggesting a growing geopolitical alignment outside of Western influence.
Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov offered rare praise for Trump’s role in seeking a diplomatic resolution. “We acknowledge Mr. Trump’s sincere efforts to find a path to peace,” Peskov said. “But we remain critical of European attempts, which seem more focused on prolonging the conflict than resolving it.”
With military aid continuing to flow into Ukraine and no clear pathway to ceasefire in sight, the prospect of peace appears as distant as ever. Analysts warn that the involvement of foreign troops — even in a post-conflict context — could deepen divisions and draw additional countries closer to direct confrontation with Russia.