Russia has firmly ruled out any discussions regarding the deployment of foreign military troops in Ukraine, describing such proposals as “unacceptable” across all formats, according to statements made at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, emphasized that Moscow refuses to entertain the idea of an international post-conflict security force under any circumstances. She said European leaders advocating for such measures should take heed of Russia’s firm stance. ReutersAl Jazeera

President Vladimir Putin reinforced this position by warning that if foreign military forces are deployed in Ukraine, they would be regarded as “legitimate targets for destruction.” Putin clarified that such forces would be entirely unnecessary if a long-term peace agreement is achieved. ReutersThe Kyiv Independent

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov echoed the sentiment, stating that Ukraine’s security cannot be ensured by foreign, especially European or American, military contingents. He added: “You cannot guarantee the security of one country by undermining the security of another.” Peskov reaffirmed that such deployments would be seen by Russia as a direct threat. The Kyiv Independent+1