Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected a Western plan to send a “reassurance force” to Ukraine after a future ceasefire. The proposal came a day after a Paris summit where French President Emmanuel Macron announced that 26 of Ukraine’s allies had committed to providing troops “by land, sea, or air” to secure Ukraine once fighting ends.

Macron did not name the countries involved. However, Putin warned that any foreign troops sent to Ukraine would be treated as “legitimate targets.” He stressed this applies even now, though there are no immediate plans for deployment.

Ceasefire Hopes Fading

The rejection dims hopes for a ceasefire. Last month, a summit in Alaska between Putin and US President Donald Trump briefly raised expectations of a breakthrough with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

On Friday, Putin said he was willing to talk to Zelenskyy but doubted it would help. “I do not see much point. Why? Because it is nearly impossible to reach agreement with the Ukrainian side on key issues,” he stated.

Trump, meanwhile, posted on social media, “It looks like we've lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest China,” referring to a summit in Tianjin featuring leaders of the three nations.

Russia Praises Trump, Criticizes Europe

Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov praised Trump’s efforts to resolve the conflict, calling them “very constructive.” However, he criticized European countries for what he described as “outrageous efforts to provoke continuation of the war.”

Since the Alaska talks, a UK- and France-led coalition has been drafting plans to strengthen Ukraine’s military and create a reassurance force to monitor any agreement. Macron stressed that these troops would not fight Russia but would act to prevent new aggression.

“The force does not have the will or the objective of waging war against Russia,” Macron said.

Zelenskyy Welcomes Step Forward

Zelenskyy called Thursday’s decisions “the first concrete step” toward peace. He said thousands of foreign troops could be deployed eventually but noted it was too early for details.

The US role remains unclear, though Trump earlier suggested American support would “probably” come as air cover. Zelensky confirmed he discussed “maximum protection for Ukraine’s skies” with Trump.

Both leaders have kept communication open. Trump said he was “having a very good dialogue” with Putin, while Putin confirmed their “open dialogue.”

Kyiv Wants Ceasefire Before Peace Deal

Ukraine insists on a ceasefire before broader peace talks, but Russia disagrees. Speaking at a forum in Vladivostok, Putin argued that foreign troops would be unnecessary if a lasting peace deal was reached.

“If decisions are reached that will lead to long-term peace, then I simply don't see the point in foreign troops’ presence,” he said.
He added that Russia would fully comply with any peace decisions.

Western allies remain skeptical of Putin’s assurances.

Moscow Invites Zelenskyy to Talks

Putin offered to host peace talks in Moscow, promising security for Zelenskyy.

When asked if this was a demand for surrender, Peskov said, “Not at all, not at all. He's invited to Moscow to talk, not to capitulate.”

Zelenskyy dismissed the offer, calling it proof Putin was not serious about peace. Neutral cities have been proposed, but Putin rejected them as “excessive demands.”

“We support any format, bilateral or trilateral,” Zelenskyy said. “I believe Russia does everything to delay it.”

Western leaders suspect Moscow wants to buy time to capture more territory. The war has now dragged on for 42 months.

Russia Claims Progress, Rejects NATO Role

Putin, who met with China’s Xi Jinping and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un this week, said Russian forces are advancing on all fronts.

He also rejected the idea of Western forces in Ukraine and demanded Russia act as a security guarantor. Kyiv and its allies refused.

Peskov told the BBC that any foreign troops, especially NATO forces, pose a danger to Russia.
“We are an enemy of NATO,” he said.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte dismissed this, saying, “Why are we interested in what Russia thinks about troops in Ukraine? It's a sovereign country. It's not for them to decide.”

Western Leaders Stand Firm

While few nations have openly pledged ground troops, the US has ruled it out entirely. European diplomats warn that such a move now would play into Putin’s narrative.

However, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared an “unbreakable pledge” to Ukraine, backed by the US. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said a ceasefire summit with Zelensky must come first, followed by strong security guarantees.

Dispute Over Ukraine’s Future

Putin admitted there were “options for ensuring Ukraine’s security” if the conflict ends. However, he blamed Kyiv for demanding a referendum on any territorial changes and an end to martial law before peace talks.

Russia has illegally annexed five Ukrainian territories but only fully controls Crimea. UK Defence Secretary John Healey praised Trump for “bringing Putin into talks” without closing off future options.

Russia, however, insists the war will continue until a full peace deal is reached, rejecting the idea of a temporary ceasefire.

Historic Example Cited

French officials pointed to Korea’s demilitarized zone as an example of a ceasefire that lasted decades without a full peace deal.
They said a similar model could give Ukraine protection while talks continue.

“This concept is extremely important for Ukrainians,” an Élysée Palace source explained.