Peacekeeping forces deployment in Ukraine unlikely in the near future, official says

"In the foreseeable future, it’s unlikely. Let’s live without illusions. The very fact of discussions about the possibility of sending either a contingent or training and engineering troops is good - it’s good that these (discussions - ed.) are already happening. But let’s be objective, these are undoubtedly very difficult discussions," he said.

Such discussions indicate that some Western partners are beginning to understand the risks posed by Russia going forward. Podolyak notes that politicians such as French President Emmanuel Macron and, for instance, opposition parties in Germany are among those who advocate.

Dialogue about peacekeeping missions in Ukraine involves a certain negotiation process, but this does not mean that Russia will agree to it.

"That’s why I say, Russia will not agree to any scenario it does not like without being forced," Podolyak added.

Peacekeepers in Ukraine

The idea of deploying peacekeeping forces in Ukraine was first proposed by French President Emmanuel Macron. He also suggested training the Armed Forces of Ukraine directly within Ukrainian territory.

According to media reports, European leaders, together with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, are set to discuss the possibility of deploying a peacekeeping mission.

Yet, the majority of EU countries are currently not ready to send their peacekeepers to Ukraine. Italy said that the participation of its soldiers is possible only after the end of hostilities. Finland has also urged caution in making decisions.

Germany's defense minister said that Berlin was willing to discuss deploying peacekeepers, but only if Russia agreed to it.