The Kremlin has indicated that the issue of foreign military deployments in Ukraine is not closed, but insisted that any discussion must take place away from the public spotlight.

Speaking on Wednesday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the possible presence of foreign forces on Ukrainian territory as “a subject for discussions,” while firmly rejecting calls to elaborate on the matter in the media.

Moscow Avoids Public Debate On Western Forces

Peskov was responding to a joint statement issued earlier this week by European Union leaders, which called for security guarantees for Kyiv that could include the establishment of a European-led multinational military force. The proposal envisions a “coalition of volunteers” operating inside Ukraine.

“We will not be discussing either general concepts or specific details publicly at this stage,” Peskov said, stressing that Russia’s position on foreign military contingents in Ukraine has already been clearly articulated by President Vladimir Putin and other senior officials.

He added that Moscow’s stance remains “consistent, well known and absolutely clear,” while repeating that the issue itself remains open to discussion in principle.

EU Outlines Role For Multinational Force

According to the EU statement, the proposed force would play a role in rebuilding Ukraine’s armed forces and strengthening the country’s long-term security architecture. Its mandate would include supporting airspace control, enhancing maritime security and carrying out operations on Ukrainian territory.

European leaders have framed the initiative as part of broader efforts to provide durable security guarantees for Kyiv as the war continues and debates intensify over Europe’s future defence posture.

Rising Tensions Over Security Guarantees

Moscow has repeatedly warned that the presence of Western troops in Ukraine would be viewed as a major escalation, even as European capitals explore new ways to bolster Ukraine’s military resilience.

By declining to engage publicly on the specifics, the Kremlin signalled that any dialogue on foreign deployments would likely take place through diplomatic or back-channel negotiations rather than public forums.