Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) and his press secretary Dmitry Peskov (left), Photo: “Kommersant
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov refused to comment on US President Donald Trump’s statement that Vladimir Putin “will not object” to the deployment of European peacekeeping forces in Ukraine during a meeting with French leader Emmanuel Macron. This was reported by the BBC.
The Kremlin maintains a tough stance
“This issue has already been clearly outlined by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. I have nothing to add,” Peskov said, commenting on Trump’s words.
On 18 February, Lavrov stressed that any presence of NATO troops on the territory of Ukraine “under any pretext” was unacceptable to Moscow.
What did Trump say?
The American leader assured that he had raised the issue of peacekeepers in a conversation with Putin and received a positive response. “I asked him directly. He has nothing against it,” Trump said during talks with Macron in Washington.
Trump also said that he wants to reach a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia as soon as possible and is even considering a visit to Moscow if a ceasefire can be agreed upon.
The position of the West
Emmanuel Macron, for his part, said that the prospect of a truce “in the coming weeks” was realistic, but warned that Western allies should monitor Moscow’s implementation of possible agreements.
Is peace possible?
Despite Trump’s statements, the Kremlin’s position remains unchanged. Lavrov and Peskov avoid specific comments, and the issue of a peacekeeping mission remains open.
Stay tuned for updates.
