Russia Rejects European Peacekeepers in Ukraine, Accuses France’s Macron of Warmongering

Russia has vehemently rejected any potential agreement that would allow European troops to operate as peacekeepers in Ukraine, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated on Thursday, Bloomberg reports.

“We see no room for compromise,” Lavrov told reporters at a press conference in Moscow.

He warned that the presence of European forces in Ukraine would constitute “the undisguised involvement of NATO countries in a war against the Russian Federation. It’s impossible to allow this.”

Lavrov’s comments come as French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer are developing proposals for a one-month truce in Ukraine encompassing air, maritime, and energy infrastructure. According to reports, Macron envisions a second phase involving the potential deployment of troops. Starmer, meanwhile, spoke at a summit on Sunday about forming a “coalition of the willing” to participate in peacekeeping operations within Ukraine.

European leaders are currently engaged in emergency talks in Brussels concerning the situation in Ukraine and defense spending. While US President Donald Trump has expressed a desire for a ceasefire, Russia has shown no sign of halting its military operations, with its forces continuing to make gradual advances along the eastern Ukrainian frontline.

Lavrov accussed Macron of actively seeking to “fight Russia,” drawing comparisons between the French leader and historical figures such as Napoleon and Hitler. This accusation followed Macron’s televised address on Wednesday, during which he stated his intention to initiate discussions on extending France’s nuclear program.

Quoting unnamed sources who allegedly stated, “We need to conquer Russia, we need to defeat Russia,” Lavrov asserted:

“He, apparently, wants the same thing, but for some reason he says that we need to fight Russia so that it does not defeat France.”