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Key Points

Russia has firmly rejected the concept of Western security guarantees for Ukraine following a major Paris summit. Emmanuel Macron announced that 26 countries have committed to forming a reassurance force that would deploy to Ukraine if a peace agreement is reached. The initiative represents Europe's push for independent action from the United States, whose involvement remains unclear after Donald Trump's direct diplomacy with Vladimir Putin. Meanwhile, Ukraine's President Zelensky welcomed the commitment as a significant concrete step toward ensuring his country's long-term security.

Key Points: Russia Rejects Western Ukraine Security Force as 26 Nations Pledge Troops

  • 26 countries commit to deploying reassurance force in Ukraine if peace deal reached
  • Macron leads European initiative to act independently of US involvement
  • Zelensky calls it first serious concrete step toward long-term security
  • US participation uncertain after Trump's direct engagement with Putin
3 min read

Russia rejects Western security guarantees as 26 countries pledge Ukraine reassurance force

Kremlin dismisses European-led reassurance force for Ukraine after Paris summit where Macron announced 26 countries committed troops. US role remains uncertain amid Trump-Putin diplomacy.

"foreign, especially European and American troops definitely cannot provide such assurances to Kyiv - Dmitry Peskov"

Paris, September 5

Russia on Friday rejected the notion of Western security guarantees for Ukraine, after more than two dozen countries pledged to form a "reassurance" force to deploy in the war-torn country if a peace deal with Moscow is reached, France 24 reported.

The coalition, led mainly by European nations, aims to deter Russia from launching another attack on Ukraine. The US role in the initiative remains uncertain, even after European leaders spoke to President Donald Trump via video conference following the Paris summit, France 24 added.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the plan, saying that "foreign, especially European and American" troops "definitely cannot" provide such assurances to Kyiv.

The Paris summit, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, was attended by Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, while leaders including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer participated remotely. France 24 noted that the meeting marked a new push by Macron to demonstrate Europe's ability to act independently of the United States, after Trump engaged directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"We have today 26 countries who have formally committed -- some others have not yet taken a position -- to deploy as a 'reassurance force' troops in Ukraine, or be present on the ground, in the sea, or in the air," Macron told reporters, standing alongside Zelensky.

Zelensky welcomed the announcement, saying, "I think that today, for the first time in a long time, this is the first such serious concrete step," France 24 reported. Macron added that the troops would not be deployed "on the front line" but would aim to "prevent any new major aggression" and highlighted the need for a "regeneration" of the Ukrainian army.

The US has expressed willingness to participate, but its level of involvement remains unclear. France 24 reported that divisions exist within the coalition, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urging more pressure while remaining cautious about the scope of involvement. A German government spokesman said, "Germany will decide on military involvement at the appropriate time once the framework conditions have been clarified."

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also said her country will not send troops but could assist in monitoring any peace deal. Meanwhile, concerns grow over Russian President Vladimir Putin's unwillingness to reach an accord, especially following his high-profile visit to China this week.

Zelensky said his call with Trump discussed sanctions on Russia and protecting Ukraine's airspace. "We discussed different options, and the most important is using strong measures, particularly economic ones, to force an end to the war," he said on social media.

France 24 reported that Macron warned additional sanctions would be coordinated with the United States if Russia continues refusing a peace deal, accusing Moscow of "doing nothing other than try to play for time" and intensifying attacks against civilians.

A Russian rocket attack on northern Ukraine on Thursday killed two people from the Danish Refugee Council clearing mines in previously occupied areas, local Ukrainian authorities said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is just more posturing. Russia will never accept Western troops in Ukraine, even as "reassurance force". The cycle of escalation continues while innocent people suffer. When will diplomacy actually work?
A
Aditya G
As an Indian, I'm concerned about how this affects global stability. We need peaceful resolution, not more military deployments. The focus should be on dialogue, not force. Hope Modi government continues balanced approach.
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Sarah B
The mine clearing volunteers getting killed is heartbreaking. This war needs to end. While I understand the need for security guarantees, more foreign troops might just prolong the conflict. 😔
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Vikram M
Interesting to see Europe trying to act without US leadership. But without American support, how effective can this force be? Germany and Italy already showing hesitation. This looks more symbolic than substantive.
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Karthik V
Putin's China visit shows he's not interested in peace. The West needs stronger economic sanctions that actually hurt Russia's war machine. Half-measures won't work against determined aggression.
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Michael C
Respectfully, I think this approach is flawed. Sending troops, even as "reassurance," will be seen as provocation by Russia. There has to be a better way to guarantee Ukraine's security without escalating further.

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