Ukraine Russia Rejects EU Troops in Ukraine Amid Trump’s Veiled Threats

[CharlieH]

 

Moscow has thrown a wrench into US President Donald Trump’s initiative to broker peace in Ukraine, demanding a veto over any postwar support.

 

This declaration coincided with a large-scale missile barrage on Ukraine, spotlighting ongoing tensions.

Russia’s foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, denounced European plans to deploy troops in Ukraine post-conflict, labeling it “foreign intervention” unacceptable to Russia. Lavrov suggested reverting to a 2022 proposal that envisaged Moscow and Beijing providing security guarantees—terms Kyiv finds unacceptable.

 

Despite Trump’s push for negotiations, Lavrov’s comments cast significant doubt on the prospects for peace talks. European leaders are contemplating security guarantees for Ukraine, building on Trump’s assurance of support. Nations like France, Britain, and Estonia have indicated the possibility of sending troops to a postwar Ukraine, though their involvement heavily depends on the US taking the lead.

 

In the backdrop of these diplomatic maneuvers, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned Russia’s aerial strikes, which notably targeted a major US electronics manufacturer. Zelenskyy interpreted the attack as a direct affront to US-brokered peace efforts, asserting that the targeting was deliberate and aimed at undermining foreign investments.

 

The missile barrage, consisting of 574 drones and 40 missiles, impacted western Ukraine, resulting in one death and injuries to 15 others. A significant strike on a US-owned factory in Lviv injured six workers, highlighting the persistent threat to foreign assets in the region. Andy Hunder, from the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine, remarked that the attack sends a clear message that “Russia is not looking for peace.”

 

Russia claims its assaults were aimed at Ukrainian military-industrial sites, steadfastly denying civilian targets. However, reports from Lviv recount damage to residential buildings, kindergartens, and administrative structures, directly contradicting Russian proclamations.

 

Amid these developments, Trump expressed frustration on his social media platform, blaming his predecessor Joe Biden for limiting Ukraine’s military response. Though subtly veiled, Trump’s remarks signal his increasing impatience with Russia’s unyielding stance and underline the difficulties in achieving a diplomatic breakthrough.

 

Prospects of a summit between Presidents Zelenskyy and Putin remain uncertain, with Lavrov dismissing such talks unless Russia’s preconditions—implying Ukraine's capitulation—are accepted. Lavrov further questioned Zelenskyy’s legitimacy, reflecting Kremlin narratives that undermine Ukrainian leadership.

 

Despite Trump’s diplomatic engagements, Moscow’s stringent demands reveal the complexities of securing a viable peace agreement. The White House maintains a hopeful stance, continuing dialogues with Russian and Ukrainian officials to halt the ongoing violence.

 

Zelenskyy remains committed to dialogue, urging Russia to engage genuinely in talks aimed at resolving the conflict. However, as exemplified by Moscow’s recent military actions, the road to peace is fraught with challenges and skepticism.

As the conflict persists, the international community watches closely, with the stark reality of entrenched positions making a resolution appear distant.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Guardian 2025-08-22