Russia has rejected the possible deployment of NATO peacekeepers in Ukraine, proposing instead that unarmed observers or a civilian monitoring group oversee any potential peace deal.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko stated in an interview with Russian daily Izvestia on Sunday that peacekeeping discussions remain premature and should only happen after a formal peace agreement is reached.

Grushko stressed that NATO’s involvement in peacekeeping operations contradicts its history, describing the alliance’s actions as primarily military and aggressive.

“NATO and peacekeeping are entirely incompatible. The real history of the alliance consists of military operations and unprovoked aggression to assert its global and regional dominance,” Grushko said, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

He reaffirmed that the deployment of NATO forces in Ukraine — whether under the banner of the EU, NATO, or individual national forces — would effectively make them direct participants in the conflict with significant consequences.

As an alternative, Grushko suggested that an unarmed observer mission or a civilian monitoring group could be considered to ensure compliance with specific terms of a peace deal and serve as part of a broader guarantee mechanism.

“Such a mission could ensure compliance with specific provisions and contribute to lasting peace in Ukraine and greater security in the region,” he added.

Grushko also emphasized that Ukraine’s neutral status and NATO’s refusal to admit Ukraine as a member should be part of the peace guarantees.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump is reportedly seeking Russian President Vladimir Putin’s support for a 30-day ceasefire proposal that Ukraine has already accepted. However, Putin has stated that certain conditions must be met for the proposal to be acceptable.

Trump is expected to speak with Putin this week to discuss possible steps to end the ongoing three-year war in Ukraine, according to US Envoy Steve Witkoff, who described his recent meeting with Putin in Moscow as “positive.”

Moscow remains firmly opposed to the deployment of NATO peacekeepers in Ukraine, Grushko reiterated.

Britain and France have both expressed willingness to send peacekeeping forces to monitor any ceasefire in Ukraine. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also stated that Australia is open to such a request.