The ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to spark geopolitical tensions, with the latest controversy arising from remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding a potential deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, Russia finds the idea of deploying European peacekeeping forces in Ukraine entirely unacceptable.
Trump’s Claim and the Kremlin’s Response
During a recent interview, Trump suggested that both he and Putin were open to the deployment of European peacekeeping troops in Ukraine as part of a broader agreement to end the war. “Yes, he will accept it,” Trump stated. “I asked him directly, and he has no problem with it.”
However, the Kremlin swiftly refuted this claim, emphasizing that Moscow does not support the presence of NATO or European troops in Ukraine, even under the guise of a peacekeeping mission. Peskov, addressing the media, referred to a statement by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who has repeatedly warned that such a move would be seen as a direct threat to Russia’s sovereignty. “There is already an official position on this matter, as expressed by Foreign Minister Lavrov. I have nothing to add or comment on,” Peskov stated, implying that Trump’s remarks did not align with Russia’s stance.
Moscow’s Stance on NATO Troops in Ukraine
The Kremlin has consistently opposed any NATO presence in Ukraine, viewing it as a provocation and a potential escalation of hostilities. Lavrov has previously asserted that the deployment of foreign troops, regardless of the flag they operate under, would be considered a violation of Russia’s security interests. According to a report by Der Spiegel, Russian officials believe that such a move could exacerbate tensions rather than lead to peace.
The Cost of Rebuilding Ukraine
While diplomatic discussions on a potential ceasefire continue, the financial burden of rebuilding Ukraine remains a pressing issue. According to a joint assessment by the World Bank, the United Nations, the European Commission, and the Ukrainian government, the estimated cost of reconstruction now stands at approximately $524 billion. This figure represents nearly three times Ukraine’s projected economic output for 2024.
The report, which analyzed data from the beginning of the Russian invasion up until December 31 of last year, highlights the devastating impact of the war. The assessment notes that damage to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has increased by 70% due to continued Russian attacks. “The study quantifies the direct physical destruction of buildings and infrastructure, as well as the broader economic and social impact on the population,” the institutions stated in a joint press release.
Will a Peace Deal Materialize?
Trump has repeatedly asserted that a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia could be reached within weeks if he were to return to office. In a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, he suggested that separate negotiations with both Kyiv and Moscow could lead to a resolution. However, analysts remain skeptical about the feasibility of such an agreement, given Russia’s firm opposition to foreign military involvement and the ongoing territorial disputes.
For now, the path to peace remains uncertain, with both sides holding firm to their respective positions. As diplomatic efforts continue, the international community watches closely to see whether a viable resolution can be reached, or if the conflict will persist, prolonging the humanitarian and economic toll on Ukraine and the broader region.
This article was prepared based on materials published by Der Spiegel. The author does not claim authorship of the original text but presents their interpretation of the content for informational purposes.
The original article can be found at the following link: Der Spiegel
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