Lavrov Condemns European Force Proposal
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday, December 19, 2025, sharply criticized a European proposal to establish a multinational force in Ukraine as part of a potential peace agreement. Speaking during a visit to Cairo, Egypt, Lavrov labeled the initiative a 'brazen' threat to the Russian Federation.
Lavrov stated that the proposal was 'not so much about security as it is about yet another attempt, you know, a brazen one... to carry out the military development of Ukrainian territory as a springboard for creating threats to the Russian Federation.' He further described it as an effort to impose military control over Ukrainian territory.
Details of the European Proposal
The European proposal, which emerged from recent talks in Berlin, involves a 'multinational force Ukraine' led by European nations and supported by the United States. Leaders from key European allies, including Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and eight other European countries, issued a joint statement earlier in the week outlining the plan.
The objectives of this force are to:
- Assist in the regeneration of Ukraine's forces
- Secure Ukraine's skies
- Support safer seas, including through operating inside Ukraine
The broader framework includes sustained support for rebuilding Ukraine's armed forces, aiming for a peacetime army of up to 800,000 troops. It is part of a six-point security and recovery plan offering 'Article Five-like' security guarantees, though without formal NATO membership. The plan also envisions a US-led ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism.
Moscow's Firm Opposition
Moscow has consistently voiced strong opposition to the deployment of any Western troops in Ukraine, repeatedly warning that such forces would be considered 'legitimate targets' for Russia's armed forces. Russia views any international military presence near its borders as a significant strategic challenge. Lavrov had previously deemed plans for European peacekeeping troops in Ukraine 'unacceptable' in February 2025.
The Russian Foreign Minister has also accused the European Union of undermining US President Donald Trump's efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict, suggesting that Europe seeks to prolong the war.
Broader Peace Efforts and Disagreements
The European proposal comes amidst intensified diplomatic efforts to find a resolution to the conflict. US President Donald Trump indicated that a peace deal was closer than ever following the Berlin talks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with US envoys and European leaders, acknowledging progress on security guarantees but highlighting ongoing differences regarding territorial questions.
Concurrently, Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking on the same day as Lavrov, asserted that Russia intends to continue its military operations in Ukraine, stating that the 'ball was in the court of the West and Kyiv' regarding peace talks.
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