Russia Rejects Western Security Guarantees for Ukraine
The Russian Foreign Ministry has firmly dismissed a recent proposal from the West concerning post-war security guarantees for Ukraine. This proposal came from discussions involving the U.S., Ukraine, and various European nations. Notable elements included the suggestion of European-led peacekeeping forces and U.S.-backed monitoring measures.
On Thursday, Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Kremlin, criticized the U.S.-supported security framework, asserting that it was not intended to foster peace but rather to further militarize Ukraine and escalate tensions.
This proposal, while not explicitly designed as a definitive end to the conflict, outlines commitments for Ukraine’s defense and deterrence that would take effect following a ceasefire or peace agreement. The framework had previously been referred to as a “20-point” or “28-point” plan, which some Democrats and Ukrainian officials considered “favorable” to Russia when it leaked in late 2025. The latest version, however, is perceived as “Europeanized,” reflecting adjustments made during the recent Paris Summit.
Zakharova labeled the proposed plan as “dangerous and destructive,” warning that any foreign troops entering Ukrainian territory would be viewed as legitimate military targets. She stated that this document was “extremely far” from achieving a lasting peace and mainly intended for further militarizing and intensifying the conflict.
“Its core element is the deployment of ‘a multinational force’ on Ukrainian territory that the coalition will have to form to contribute to the ‘rebuilding’ of the Ukrainian armed forces and ‘support deterrence’ following the cessation of the hostilities,” Zakharova remarked.
This rejection came after a high-level summit in Paris where U.S. envoys, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, backed a new five-point security framework aimed at bolstering the overall 20-point peace plan. The intention behind these commitments is to provide Ukraine with legally binding defense assurances and a U.S.-led monitoring system contingent on a ceasefire.
The Paris Declaration, co-signed by French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, promises “critical long-term military assistance” for Ukraine, including more military aid and sanctions in the event of a future attack by Russia.
While this agreement bore the signatures of the three leaders, it was developed by what’s called the “Coalition of the Willing,” which involves around 30 nations. Witkoff and Kushner attended the signing ceremony.
Russia’s objections center on the proposed deployment of a multinational peacekeeping force, the provision of U.S.-supplied weapons acquired directly by European countries, and a closer integration of Ukraine’s military into NATO’s defense framework.
“The new militarist declarations of the so-called Coalition of the Willing and the Kyiv regime are forming a true axis of war,” the Russian Ministry stated, implying that the plans could be perilous for the future of Europe.
In addition to this diplomatic tension, Russia condemned the recent U.S. seizure of the oil tanker Marinera, claiming it violates international maritime law. The ship had been linked to a “shadow fleet” associated with Iranian and Venezuelan oil and was intercepted after a lengthy pursuit.
Moscow argues that this seizure contravenes the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, while U.S. officials maintain that the vessel’s last-minute change of flag to Russia was an attempt to dodge sanctions, rendering it “stateless.” Furthermore, the U.S. is not a signatory to that convention.
“The use of force in international waters against a civilian vessel can only be interpreted as a gross violation of fundamental principles and norms,” said Moscow’s Foreign Ministry.
U.S. officials insist they acted within their legal rights to seize the Marinera for breaching the ongoing naval blockade of Venezuelan oil ports.
