• Russia labels Ukraine and its allies an "axis of war" in response to peacekeeping plans.
• Moscow threatens that foreign troops sent to Ukraine will be considered "legitimate military targets".
• Ukraine announces readiness of a draft plan for U.S. security guarantees amid ongoing conflict.
• The proposed peacekeeping force aims to be deployed post-ceasefire but lacks clarity on engagement rules.

Moscow has condemned the newly outlined peacekeeping plan for Ukraine as “dangerous” and asserts that Ukraine and its European allies represent an "axis of war". The harsh rhetoric follows a summit in Paris where discussions led to key security guarantees for Kyiv, suggested to include a multinational European force and a US-led monitoring mechanism. Russia's foreign ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, stated, "The new militarist declarations of the so-called Coalition of the Willing and the Kyiv regime together form a genuine 'axis of war'," emphasizing the Kremlin’s unwillingness to accept the proposals presented by Ukraine and its allies, which it views as a threat to its national security, according to channelnewsasia, indiatimes, and scmp.

Zakharova reiterated threats that any NATO-member peacekeeping troops deployed to Ukraine would be treated as "legitimate military targets". This statement reflects Russia’s ongoing hardline stance as the war heads towards its fourth year, with the Kremlin asserting that such foreign military interventions would escalate rather than de-escalate the conflict. European leaders and U.S. envoys announced their readiness to mobilize forces if a ceasefire were achieved. However, specific parameters regarding the engagement of these troops remain vague, according to indiatimes and scmp.

In parallel, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that a draft document concerning U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine is "essentially ready" for finalization. He indicated that reliable assurances of defense from foreign allies are critical to deter Russia from renewing military aggression if a ceasefire is established. Nonetheless, President Zelenskyy has not yet received clear answers regarding the response of peacekeeping forces should Russia initiate attacks again, highlighting uncertainties surrounding the proposed arrangements, according to channelnewsasia, indiatimes, and scmp.