Russia rejects NATO troop deployment in Ukraine

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has stated that the potential deployment of NATO troops in Ukraine is ‘unacceptable’ for Moscow. While Peskov noted that Russia remains open to peaceful solutions, he emphasized that the military operation will continue if such opportunities are unavailable, reiterating Russia's goal of achieving victory in the conflict.

Regarding territorial disputes, Peskov rejected proposals for a third-party controlled buffer zone in the Donbas region, asserting that Donbas is Russian territory. He also criticized Finnish President Alexander Stubb for recent comments suggesting that Ukraine's drone attacks on Russian infrastructure should be supported to increase the cost of the war for Russia, labeling such rhetoric as ‘militarist’.

Additionally, the Kremlin indicated that security measures for critical infrastructure will be increased following drone attacks. Peskov noted that President Vladimir Putin has emphasized the necessity of protecting these facilities and ensuring their timely restoration.