Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
In a statement, Moscow specifically blamed the UK for promoting an idea, that is firmly denied by Russia.
In a statement, Moscow specifically blamed the UK for promoting an idea, that is firmly denied by Russia.
What is happening?
Russia has issued a firm rejection of any proposal involving NATO troop deployment in Ukraine as part of future security guarantees.
In a detailed statement released Monday, Moscow emphasized its stance amid ongoing US-EU mediated negotiations over Ukraine’s future.
Especially angry with UK
The Russian Foreign Ministry specifically criticized the UK for promoting this idea, continuing a familiar narrative of blaming Britain for what it sees as Western hostility, The New York Times reported.
Three Key Issues at the Heart of Talks
As international talks between Ukraine, Russia, the US, and European leaders continue, three central topics have emerged:
- a potential truce
- territorial concessions
- security guarantees
Each remains highly contentious, with little consensus on how to move forward.
Ukraine and EU calls for a ceasefire
Ukraine, supported by European nations, is calling for an immediate end to fighting. Their goal is to begin negotiations under peaceful conditions with no further loss of life.
In contrast, Russia has rejected the idea of a temporary truce, instead pushing for a comprehensive peace treaty from the outset.
Territorial concessions: A legal battle
While Ukraine has shown willingness in principle to acknowledge Russia’s control over some contested areas, a major disagreement remains.
Ukraine may accept the de facto reality of Russian control, but Russia wants international recognition that these territories belong to it permanently—raising deep concerns about sovereignty and precedent.
Security guarantees spark major tensions
One of the thorniest issues is how to guarantee Ukraine’s future security.
European negotiators have floated the idea of deploying peacekeeping forces—possibly including NATO troops—as a safeguard.
However, this proposal has drawn fierce opposition from Moscow, which sees any NATO presence in Ukraine as a direct threat.
Trump open to NATO troops, but details unclear
While U.S. President Donald Trump, a key figure in the negotiations, did not rule out NATO troops on the ground in Ukraine, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte clarified in an interview with Fox News, that no specific plans for deployment were discussed during recent White House meetings.
Direct Putin-Zelensky talks on the table
Amid the diplomatic back-and-forth, all parties seem to agree on one thing: the need for direct talks between Presidents Putin and Zelensky.
Donald Trump announced support for such a meeting, calling it essential to tackling sensitive issues head-on.
Zelensky echoed this sentiment, confirming that the idea is under serious consideration.
Moscow: No NATO, no compromise
Russia’s latest statement sends a clear message: any security arrangement involving NATO troops is off the table.
While talks continue, Moscow is drawing firm lines on what it will—and will not—accept in any future peace framework, making diplomatic progress increasingly difficult.
