Russia on Friday dismissed a Western plan to provide Ukraine with long-term security guarantees, even as more than two dozen countries pledged troops and resources to a proposed “reassurance force” after any eventual peace deal. The announcement followed a Paris summit hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and attended by Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky, with leaders from the U.K., Germany, Italy, and other allies joining remotely.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov flatly rejected the idea, insisting that “foreign, especially European and American” troops “definitely cannot” provide Ukraine with security assurances. The Kremlin’s stance highlights continued skepticism that Moscow is prepared to negotiate a settlement, despite ongoing talks between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
At the summit, Macron declared that 26 nations have formally agreed to participate in the reassurance effort, pledging to contribute forces by land, sea, or air. He stressed that the mission would not place foreign troops on the front lines but would deter further Russian aggression and help regenerate Ukraine’s army for long-term defense. “This is the first such serious concrete step,” Zelensky said, welcoming the coalition’s commitment.
The United States was represented at the Paris summit by Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, who also met separately with Zelensky. Trump later confirmed he intends to speak directly with Putin again soon, with Moscow indicating such a call could be arranged quickly. Trump has pressed for stronger sanctions against Russia while also pursuing direct diplomacy with Putin.
European allies remain divided over the scope of their involvement. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has urged caution, saying Berlin will decide on troop commitments only after conditions are clarified. Italy’s Giorgia Meloni ruled out sending soldiers but pledged monitoring support for any peace deal. Meanwhile, Macron warned of “additional sanctions” against Russia if it refuses to engage in peace talks.
The debate over security guarantees comes as Russia intensifies its offensive. A recent rocket strike killed two humanitarian workers in northern Ukraine, underscoring the human toll of the conflict. Putin, during a high-profile trip to China earlier this week, boasted that Russian forces were making gains “on all fronts,” further fueling Western frustration over Moscow’s unwillingness to compromise.
With the U.S. role still uncertain, European leaders are attempting to show independence in defending Ukraine, even as questions remain about whether Putin intends to negotiate at all.
