The Kremlin on Tuesday pushed back against claims by U.S. President Donald Trump that Russian President Vladimir Putin had expressed openness to deploying European peacekeeping forces in Ukraine, reiterating Moscow’s longstanding opposition to such a move.
During a White House meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday, Trump told reporters that he had “specifically asked” Putin about the possibility of deploying European peacekeeping forces to Ukraine as part of a potential peace settlement. “He has no problem with it,” Trump said, suggesting that Putin was open to the idea.
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However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov contradicted Trump’s statement on Tuesday, referring reporters to an earlier comment by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Last week, Lavrov explicitly rejected the idea of NATO-led peacekeeping forces in Ukraine, calling it a “direct threat” to Russian sovereignty.
“I have nothing to add to Lavrov’s statement,” Peskov said, dismissing Trump’s claim.
The deployment of peacekeeping forces has long been seen as a critical component of any potential peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine.
Such forces could help stabilize the conflict zone, enforce ceasefires, and create conditions for political negotiations. However, Russia has consistently opposed the involvement of NATO countries, viewing it as an encroachment on its sphere of influence.
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In recent weeks, the Trump administration has shifted its focus from military solutions to economic incentives, pressing Ukraine to sign a minerals deal that would grant the U.S. access to rare earth minerals in Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine.
These minerals are critical for manufacturing high-tech products, including electronics and renewable energy technologies.
In an interview on Monday, Putin indicated that he would be willing to allow the U.S. access to these resources, opening a potential area of cooperation.
However, critics argue that such a deal could undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and legitimize Russia’s occupation of the region.
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Meanwhile, Ukraine was under air raid alerts Tuesday around 5:50 am after the country’s air force warned of potential Russian missile attacks. The alert prompted the scrambling of Polish aircraft and other allied forces over Polish airspace.
In a post on X, the Polish military’s operational command said it continues to monitor the situation and remains in a state of readiness.
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