Russia's Foreign Ministry warned today that the deployment of Western troops, military facilities, storage depots, and infrastructure in Ukraine would be considered "foreign intervention", posing a direct threat to Russia and European nations.
"All such facilities and units will be considered legitimate targets for Russian forces", the ministry emphasized.
The statement followed a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, comprising 35 nations supporting Ukraine, held in France on 6/1. During the meeting, a letter of intent was signed, with the UK, France, and European allies pledging to deploy forces to Ukraine after a ceasefire between Kyiv and Moscow takes effect.
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French service members during an exercise in the UAE in 12/2025. Photo: AFP |
French service members during an exercise in the UAE in 12/2025. Photo: AFP
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova criticized the letter of intent, stating its aim was to militarize Ukraine further, escalating and expanding the conflict.
Russia has repeatedly stated it would not accept NATO deploying troops to Ukraine for peacekeeping missions.
Specific details regarding the European peacekeeping force intended for deployment to Ukraine, including deployment methods, have not been disclosed. President Volodymyr Zelensky stated he had "not received a clear answer" on the operational plan for these forces should Russia continue its campaign against Ukraine.
US officials have rejected the scenario of deploying troops to Ukraine. However, US envoy Steve Witkoff noted on 6/1 that President Donald Trump "fully supports" security measures to prevent Ukraine from being attacked after a ceasefire is reached.
Efforts to reach a peace agreement in Ukraine still face many challenges. Mr. Zelensky stated that the most difficult issues, including control over the Donbass region and the fate of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, currently under Russian control, remain unresolved.
Pham Giang (According to Reuters, AFP, Sputnik)
