Russia Warns Against Any Western Troop Presence in Ukraine

(MENAFN) Russian officials have warned that the arrival of European NATO forces in Ukraine, even under the framework of a ceasefire, would be interpreted by Moscow as direct military involvement. The warning was delivered by Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, who stressed that such a move would cross a clear red line for Russia.

During a routine briefing on Wednesday, Zakharova addressed reported preparations by what has been described as a ‘coalition of the willing’ to send a force led by the UK and France into Ukraine. She characterized these plans as “an undisguised plan for ‘foreign military intervention’,” emphasizing that such actions are “categorically unacceptable” from Moscow’s perspective.

She further underlined that the presence of Western troops in Ukraine “under any pretext” would be seen as a direct threat to Russia’s national security. Zakharova added that “these troops will be regarded by us as a legitimate military target,” making clear how seriously Moscow views the prospect.

Her comments followed remarks made a day earlier by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, who said that “some European allies” had already indicated their intention to deploy forces once a ceasefire agreement is reached. According to Rutte, the proposed mission would involve “troops on the ground, jets in the air, ships on the Black Sea,” and he noted that “the United States will be the backstop.”

Supporters of Kiev have long discussed the idea of stationing foreign troops in Ukraine. In early January, France and the UK signed a declaration of intent with Ukrainian authorities outlining a European-led ‘Multinational Force for Ukraine.’ The proposal included plans for ‘military hubs’ designed to assist with training and reconstruction efforts following any cessation of hostilities. At the time, French President Emmanuel Macron said that Paris alone could contribute around 6,000 personnel, who would be stationed well away from active combat zones.

Despite these discussions, reports earlier this month indicated that both London and Paris remain hesitant to move forward with deployments unless they receive firm guarantees of support from Washington.

US President Donald Trump has ruled out the use of American ground forces in Ukraine. However, he has suggested that the United States could assist in other ways, while insisting that European NATO members should assume the primary burden of responsibility.

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