August M
Talks around a possible end to the war in Ukraine continue to generate cautious reactions from Moscow. While little detail has been made public, recent reports have prompted fresh questions about security arrangements after a ceasefire.
The Kremlin has now addressed one element of those discussions, while stopping short of offering any new commitments.
According to Reuters, the Kremlin said on Wednesday that Russia’s position on the deployment of European troops to Ukraine under a potential U.S.-brokered peace deal was already well known. At the same time, officials indicated the issue could still be discussed.
The comments followed reporting by The New York Times on proposals being considered by Washington.
Troop deployment
The New York Times reported that under current U.S. proposals, Ukraine would receive security guarantees from the West. As part of that framework, a Europe-led military force would assist Ukraine by operating in western parts of the country, away from active front lines.
Asked about the report, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to comment in detail on the diplomatic process.
However, he reiterated Moscow’s longstanding opposition to the presence of foreign forces on Ukrainian territory.
“Our position on foreign military contingents on the territory of Ukraine is well known,” Peskov told reporters. “It is well-known, it is absolutely consistent and understandable. But again, this is a subject for discussion.”
Known stance
Peskov stressed that Russia’s objections were not new and had been clearly communicated in the past. His remarks suggested that while Moscow remains opposed to such deployments, the topic could still arise in negotiations.
The Kremlin has repeatedly argued that any foreign military presence in Ukraine would pose a security threat to Russia.
Despite that position, Peskov avoided ruling out talks on the issue outright.
U.S. contacts
Peskov also addressed questions about contacts with Washington. He said that U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff was not expected to visit Moscow this week.
