In a firm stance reiterated on September 4 and 5, 2025, the Russian government has outright rejected any discussions or agreements that involve deploying foreign troops to Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that any foreign military personnel stationed in Ukraine during the ongoing conflict would be considered "legitimate targets" by Russian forces. This declaration comes as European nations and Western allies contemplate security guarantees for Ukraine following a potential ceasefire or peace agreement in the protracted war.
Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Putin emphasised that while Russia would comply with any formal peace treaty, it categorically opposes the presence of foreign troops on Ukrainian soil amid active hostilities. He asserted, "If any troops appear there, especially now while fighting is ongoing, we assume that they will be legitimate targets." Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov further specified that any arrangements involving security guarantees would need to be legally binding, underlining Moscow’s demand for formal documentation to outline such agreements.
The backdrop to Russia’s position is the recent summit in Paris, where 26 countries pledged to provide a multinational reassurance force to Ukraine once fighting ceases. French President Emmanuel Macron disclosed that allied nations had committed to deploying troops “on land, at sea, or in the air” to guarantee Ukraine’s security post-conflict. Among the countries supporting this initiative are members of the so-called "coalition of the willing", a group of 35 countries united in backing Ukraine. Despite these assurances, Russia remains staunchly opposed, viewing the potential presence of Western forces as a direct threat and a red line in its security calculus.
Maria Zakharova, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, reinforced the Kremlin's position by stating that Moscow will not entertain any dialogue about foreign troop deployment in "any format". She described such proposals as “fundamentally unacceptable” and warned European leaders to recognize Russia’s resolute stance before advancing plans for an international peacekeeping force. Her comments came shortly after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen revealed that the European Union had "quite specific plans" for a multinational security contingent in Ukraine following a ceasefire.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has indicated that thousands of Western troops could potentially be deployed as part of security guarantees to ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty and defence. Zelenskyy remarked that such forces would begin their involvement "now, during the war, and not only after it ends," underscoring Kyiv's desire for robust and immediate support.