Russia rejects idea of Nato peacekeepers in Ukraine, warning of ‘uncontrollable escalation’

MOSCOW – Russia rejected on Jan 23 the idea of Nato countries sending peacekeeping troops to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire in the war with Russia, saying such a move would threaten to cause an “uncontrollable escalation”.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the idea was totally unacceptable to Russia.

At a news briefing, she referred to recent statements by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius about the possibility that their countries might contribute troops to a peacekeeping force in Ukraine.

Mr Pistorius said in a Jan 18 newspaper interview that Germany, as the largest Nato partner in Europe, would “obviously have a role to play”, and the matter would be discussed in due course.

Mr Starmer said on Jan 16 that Britain had been discussing the idea of a peacekeeping force with other allies, and that “we will play our full part”.

Russia says it is open to a dialogue with US President Donald Trump, who has said he intends to bring a swift end to the war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is seeking a meeting with Mr Trump, said on Jan 21 that at least 200,000 European peacekeepers

would be needed

to prevent a new Russian attack after any ceasefire deal. REUTERS