Russia Bold Rejection of European Troops in Ukraine Sparks Trump’s Fury
Russia has thrown a wrench into U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Ukraine, rejecting the idea of European troops being deployed there after any future settlement.
The move, coupled with a massive overnight missile and drone attack, has heightened tensions as Trump hints at frustration in a fiery social media post.
Moscow’s Hardline Stance
On Thursday, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov made it clear that Moscow would not accept European troops in a postwar Ukraine, calling such a move “foreign intervention” that is “absolutely unacceptable.”
Lavrov pushed for a return to a 2022 proposal from peace talks in Istanbul, where Russia and China would play a role in guaranteeing Ukraine’s security alongside European nations. Ukraine, however, has firmly rejected this framework, seeing it as favoring Moscow’s interests.
Lavrov’s remarks signal a step back from earlier signs that Russia might be open to Western security guarantees for Ukraine. After a recent summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, U.S. officials had suggested Moscow was warming to the idea. Now, it seems either Russia is reversing course or the U.S. misread the Kremlin’s position from the start.
Trump’s Frustration Boils Over
In response, Trump took to his Truth Social platform on Thursday, appearing to lash out at Russia’s resistance. He blamed former President Joe Biden for tying Ukraine’s hands, claiming Biden’s policies forced Ukraine to focus only on defense without striking back at Russian territory.
“It is very hard, if not impossible, to win a war without attacking an invader’s country,” Trump wrote. “Crooked and grossly incompetent Joe Biden would not let Ukraine FIGHT BACK, only DEFEND. How did that work out? … Interesting times ahead!!!”
Trump’s words, while not directly threatening Russia, suggest growing impatience with Moscow’s stance. His comments have been welcomed in Kyiv and European capitals, though Trump has so far hesitated to impose tougher sanctions or increase military aid to Ukraine, leaving some uncertainty about his next steps.
Peace Talks in Jeopardy
Lavrov’s statements have cast a shadow over hopes for a quick resolution to the conflict. European leaders, including those from France, Britain, and Estonia, have been exploring ways to support Ukraine after the war, possibly by sending troops to maintain peace. Several other countries have also signaled they might join such efforts, but much hinges on the U.S. taking a leading role.
The idea of a summit between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, pushed by Trump, now seems less likely. Lavrov said such a meeting would only happen if all issues are “thoroughly prepared” and implied Putin would only meet Zelenskyy to push for Ukraine’s surrender a condition Kyiv would never accept. Lavrov also repeated a familiar Russian claim, questioning whether Zelenskyy has the authority to sign any peace deal, a tactic aimed at undermining Ukraine’s leadership.
Despite the setbacks, the White House remains cautiously optimistic. A spokesperson said on Wednesday that Trump and his team are still working with Russian and Ukrainian officials to arrange a meeting to “stop the killing and end the war.” In Kyiv, Zelenskyy expressed readiness to meet Putin but called for a strong U.S. response if Russia refuses to engage. “I responded immediately to the proposal for a bilateral meeting: we are ready. But what if the Russians are not ready?” he told reporters on Wednesday.
Russia’s Massive Attack on Ukraine
As diplomatic efforts falter, Russia unleashed one of its largest aerial assaults in weeks. Ukraine’s military reported that 574 drones and 40 missiles struck western regions overnight, killing at least one person and injuring 15.
Among the targets was a facility linked to a major U.S. electronics company, prompting sharp criticism from Andy Hunder, head of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine. “The message is clear: Russia is not looking for peace. Russia is attacking American business in Ukraine, humiliating American business,” Hunder said.
Ukraine, meanwhile, has ramped up its own attacks, using drones to target Russian oil refineries and other infrastructure tied to the war. These strikes have driven gasoline prices in Russia to record highs, adding pressure on Moscow’s economy.
Global Implications and Uncertainty
The latest developments highlight the challenges of finding a path to peace. Russia’s insistence on controlling Ukraine’s postwar security arrangements, combined with its aggressive military actions, shows little willingness to compromise. Trump’s peace initiative, which relies on cooperation from both sides, now faces significant hurdles.
European nations are eager to support Ukraine but need clarity on the U.S.’s role, especially as Trump navigates domestic and global pressures. His tariff policies and demands that countries like India stop buying Russian oil have already stirred tensions, complicating alliances.
For Ukraine, the stakes are high. Zelenskyy’s government is pushing for stronger Western backing to counter Russia’s aggression, but the prospect of European troops on the ground remains a distant and contentious idea. As Russia continues its attacks, the toll on civilians and infrastructure grows, making the need for a resolution more urgent.
The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Trump’s push for peace can overcome Russia’s hardline demands. For now, the path forward remains unclear, with both sides locked in a tense standoff that could shape the region’s future.
