Published on, Aug. 28 -- August 28, 2025 1:09 AM

Russia pushed back Wednesday against the idea of European peacekeeping troops being deployed to Ukraine, and downplayed chances of a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in another blow to the chances of a peace deal.

US President Donald Trump has recently met both Zelensky and Russia's President Vladimir in his bid to end the conflict, which has been raging for over three and a half years. But Russia has shown little sign it is willing to compromise.

Ukraine is pushing for Western-backed security guarantees as a part of any agreement to ensure Russia does not attack again, while Moscow is demanding Kyiv cedes more territory in its east.

When asked how the Kremlin would ...