Kremlin Affirms Russian National Guard, Police to Remain in Donbas Post-Peace Settlement

Kremlin Outlines Post-War Donbas Security Plans

A senior Kremlin official has announced that Russian police and the National Guard, known as Rosgvardia, are slated to remain in eastern Ukraine's Donbas region following any future peace settlement. The statement, made by Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov, was published on Friday, December 12, 2025, in the Russian business daily Kommersant. This declaration underscores Russia's ambition to maintain its presence and control over the industrially vital region, a position that Ukrainian officials are expected to reject.

Ushakov indicated that while a post-war scenario might see the absence of both Russian and Ukrainian troops, the National Guard and police would be present to 'maintain order and organise life.' He further asserted that 'no matter what the outcome (of peace talks), this territory (the Donbas) is Russian Federation territory,' reinforcing Moscow's claim over the region.

Role of the Russian National Guard

The Rosgvardia is a military formation directly subordinate to Russian President Vladimir Putin, primarily tasked with internal security. Its functions include maintaining public order, combating organized crime and extremism, and ensuring the security of state facilities. In occupied Ukrainian territories, the Rosgvardia has played a significant role in suppressing civilian resistance, filtering the local population, identifying underground movements, and guarding 'polling stations' during referendums and elections.

As of January 2024, approximately 35,000 National Guardsmen were reportedly deployed to Ukraine's occupied territories. The force is considered the second most crucial component of Russian occupation forces, after the military, highlighting its strategic importance in Moscow's control efforts.

Implications for Peace Negotiations

Ushakov's remarks highlight a significant obstacle in ongoing peace negotiations, particularly concerning the future status of Ukrainian territories currently occupied by Russian forces. Russia's stance is that it will only agree to a ceasefire after Ukrainian forces withdraw from the front line. However, Ukraine's constitution prohibits the surrender of its land, creating a fundamental disagreement with Russia, which illegally annexed Donetsk and three other regions in 2022.

The insistence on maintaining a security presence in Donbas post-settlement suggests Russia's long-term intention to integrate these territories, regardless of any peace agreement. This position is likely to complicate international efforts to broker a lasting resolution to the nearly four-year conflict.