On August 18, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova declared that Moscow firmly rejects any scenario involving the deployment of NATO forces in Ukraine.
According to TASS, the statement came in response to remarks from the United Kingdom suggesting the possibility of sending Western troops to Ukraine if a ceasefire agreement were reached.
Zakharova emphasized that any scenario allowing NATO’s presence in Ukraine would carry a high risk of uncontrolled escalation, potentially leading to unpredictable consequences.
She criticized statements from several European nations, including the UK, describing them as “provocative ambitions” that treat Ukraine as a tool for broader geopolitical goals. Such remarks, she argued, run counter to the joint efforts by Moscow and Washington to pursue a fair, sustainable solution to the ongoing conflict.
On the same day, U.S. President Donald Trump revealed that he had spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin following meetings with Ukrainian, European, and NATO leaders. Trump announced plans to arrange a bilateral meeting between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, followed by a potential three-way summit involving the United States.
If realized, it would mark the first direct meeting between Putin and Zelensky since the Paris summit in 2019. No details on timing or location have yet been disclosed.
Trump also confirmed that U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and special envoy Steve Witkoff will coordinate with both Russia and Ukraine in preparation for future talks.
From Moscow, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed that the recent phone call between Putin and Trump was conducted in a constructive manner. Both sides expressed support for continued direct talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations and discussed the possibility of elevating the level of representation in upcoming negotiations.
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