Russia insists on “ironclad” guarantees in any peace deal with Ukraine, demanding NATO’s exclusion of Kyiv from membership and Ukraine’s neutral status. Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko emphasized Moscow’s stance against foreign military involvement in Ukraine, while discussions over a ceasefire proposal continue.

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• Russia demands guarantees that NATO will not accept Ukraine into the alliance.
• Moscow insists on Ukraine’s neutral status as a condition for peace.
• Grushko says no NATO observers should be deployed in Ukraine under any label.
• Russian officials oppose NATO troops, even if labeled as European Union or national forces.
• Grushko stresses that only after a peace agreement can unarmed observers be discussed.
• U.S. President Trump is working on a 30-day ceasefire proposal, accepted by Ukraine.
• Trump plans to speak with Putin this week on the ceasefire and potential peace efforts.
• France and Britain are willing to send peacekeeping forces if a ceasefire is agreed.
• Australia is also open to sending peacekeeping forces if requested by Ukraine.
• French President Macron says the decision to deploy peacekeeping troops rests with Ukraine, not Moscow.