Kremlin says it is open to negotiation on presence of European troops in Ukraine

The Kremlin said Wednesday it is open to modifying Russia’s position on the presence of European soldiers in Ukraine under the terms of a U.S.-brokered peace agreement.

Reports indicated earlier this week that the latest U.S. peace proposal includes NATO-like security guarantees for Ukraine, along with the deployment of an EU-backed military force in western Ukraine.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia’s opposition to the deployment of foreign troops has been well-documented but the issue would still be discussed.

“Our position on foreign military contingents on the territory of Ukraine is well known,” Mr. Peskov said Wednesday. “It is well-known, it is absolutely consistent and understandable. But again, this is a subject for discussion.”

His comments follow several days of high-stakes negotiations between U.S., Ukrainian and European officials in Berlin. Officials reported that significant progress has been made on the deal, but key sticking points, notably territory, remain.

Russian President Vladimir Putin signaled Wednesday that Moscow has no interest in conceding captured land to Ukraine and may even expand its efforts to create a larger buffer zone in eastern Ukraine.

Russia currently claims the Ukrainian regions of Donbas, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia and Crimea as its territory.

“If the opposing side and their foreign patrons refuse to engage in substantive discussions, Russia will achieve the liberation of its historical lands by military means,” Mr. Putin said Wednesday. “The task of creating and expanding a security buffer zone will also be consistently addressed.”