Moscow (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Thursday stated that any presence of European soldiers in Ukrainian territory would be “absolutely unacceptable”, as Ukraine’s partners seek security guarantees for the nation.
These remarks came amid Ukraine’s allies working on security guarantees and considering options for reassurance or monitoring forces in Ukraine, which Russia outright rejects. Moscow has consistently stated its opposition to deploying European or NATO troops in Ukraine.
“This would be absolutely unacceptable for the Russian Federation,”
Lavrov said, when asked by a journalist about security guarantees for Ukraine as
“foreign intervention on some part of Ukrainian territory.”
Earlier, Lavrov stated that Moscow would see that as a “direct threat” to Russia’s sovereignty, even if the troops operating there had another flag.
What assurances are Ukraine and NATO allies working on?
Following this week’s historic White House meetings, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine and its allies are “already working on the concrete content of the security guarantees.” NATO military leaders also convened on Wednesday to discuss the specifics of these potential security assurances for Ukraine, as efforts continue to broker a ceasefire in Russia’s offensive.
Later on Wednesday, Andriy Yermak, Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, stated that Kyiv has initiated intensive coordination with European and NATO security advisers to secure concrete military guarantees and prevent future aggression.
Moreover, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also led a virtual meeting of nations willing to support Ukraine following a peace agreement — known as the “coalition of the willing.” Furthermore, the UK has also sent its Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, to Washington in order to engage in discussions about how the US might help.
What stance has President Trump taken on US troops?
On the other hand, US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he has ruled out putting US troops in Ukraine. He also stated that the United States could provide air support in a potential agreement to end Russia’s conflict in the region.
“When it comes to security, (Europeans) are willing to put people on the ground. We’re willing to help them with things, especially, probably … by air,”
Trump said in an interview.
