Ukraine war briefing: Kremlin denounces European troops plan as Kyiv warns of massive Russian attack'

"Moscow has repeatedly warned it would not accept any Nato members sending such troops to Ukraine. All such units and facilities will be considered legitimate military targets for the Russian armed forces, Russia's foreign ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, said on Thursday, repeating a threat previously made by Vladimir Putin. Describing the plan as dangerous and destructive, she accused Kyiv's allies of forming an axis of war."

"European leaders and US envoys announced this week that postwar guarantees for Ukraine would include a US-led monitoring mechanism and a European multinational force to be deployed once the fighting stops. German chancellor Friedrich Merz said a ceasefire in Ukraine was still quite far away given Russia's position. The order must be: first a ceasefire, then security guarantees for Ukraine for a long-term agreement with Russia, Merz told reporters on Thursday. All of this is impossible without Russia's consent,"

"The US embassy in Kyiv warned on Thursday that a potentially significant air attack could occur at any time within the next several days. Volodymyr Zelenskyy echoed the warning in his evening address, telling Ukrainians that there may be another massive Russian attack during the night, without elaborating. It is very important to pay attention to air raid alerts, the Ukrainian president added, advising Ukrainians to take shelter when asked."

European and US proposals envision postwar guarantees for Ukraine including a US-led monitoring mechanism and a European multinational force to deploy once fighting stops. Moscow rejects any NATO-member troop presence in Ukraine and declares such units and facilities legitimate military targets, framing the plan as dangerous and destructive. German chancellor Friedrich Merz said a ceasefire must come before security guarantees and that long-term agreement requires Russia's consent. The US embassy warned of a potentially significant air attack in the coming days, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged vigilance and adherence to air raid alerts. Military planners say a robust stabilisation force would need thousands of troops to deter violations.

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