Putin Rejects Western Security Guarantees for Ukraine, Warns Against Troop Deployment
PARIS - Russian President Vladimir putin has dismissed the possibility of Western nations acting as security guarantors for Ukraine, and warned that any foreign troops deployed to the country would be considered a threat to Russia. The statement came amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, including a summit at the Élysée Palace involving ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron, to explore potential pathways to end the conflict.
Moscow has insisted on being included as a guarantor of Ukrainian security, a proposal rejected by both Kyiv and its allies. According to Putin’s spokesman, any foreign forces – including those from NATO – would be viewed as antagonistic, stating, ”we are an enemy of Nato.”
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte countered this assertion on Thursday, asserting Russia has no authority to dictate Western involvement. ”Why are we interested in what Russia thinks about troops in Ukraine? It’s a sovereign country. It’s not for them to decide,” Rutte said.
While few nations have explicitly pledged to deploy troops to Ukraine, the discussion highlights the complexities of securing a lasting peace. The US has already ruled out such a move, and European diplomats suggest a troop commitment could bolster Putin’s narrative against the West.Though, UK prime Minister Keir Starmer affirmed an “unbreakable pledge” to Ukraine, backed by the US, and emphasized the need to pressure Russia to end the war, according to a Downing Street spokeswoman.German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated the priority is to achieve a ceasefire at a summit with Zelenskyy, followed by “strong security guarantees.”
Putin indicated this week there was “a certain light at the end of the tunnel” and “options for ensuring Ukraine’s security” should the conflict conclude. However, he later expressed doubt about reaching a deal, citing Ukraine’s insistence on referendums and the lifting of martial law to validate any territorial changes. Russia has illegally annexed five Ukrainian territories, maintaining full control only over Crimea.
discussions also centered on the possibility of a ceasefire, even without a complete peace agreement. A source at the Élysée Palace referenced the Korean demarcation line as a ancient example of a lasting ceasefire supported by a strong allied military presence - a concept deemed important by Ukrainian officials. Russia, however, has rejected the idea of an initial ceasefire, demanding a full peace deal as a prerequisite.
UK Defense Secretary John Healey praised former President Trump for “brought Putin into talks” and “not closed off any options.”
