Moscow Warns Western Troops Deployed to Ukraine Would Be Treated as Combat Targets

Russia says proposed British- and French-led deployments under a ceasefire framework would constitute foreign intervention and pose a direct security threat.

By yourNEWS Media Newsroom

Russia said Thursday that any foreign troops sent to Ukraine by Western governments would be regarded as legitimate military targets, responding sharply to announcements by Britain and France outlining plans for a multinational force that could be deployed in the event of a ceasefire.

In a statement, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said what it described as increasingly “militaristic declarations” by pro-Ukraine Western governments were escalating risks for Europe and warned that the presence of foreign forces on Ukrainian territory would be treated as direct intervention.

The comments marked Moscow’s first formal response to a meeting of the so-called “coalition of the willing” held in Paris on Tuesday, where Britain and France signed a declaration of intent regarding the potential future deployment of forces to Ukraine.

French President Emmanuel Macron said the plan could involve sending thousands of French troops, while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the initiative would help establish a legal framework allowing “British, French and partner forces” to operate in Ukraine. Starmer said such forces could help secure Ukraine’s airspace and maritime access while supporting the rebuilding of Ukraine’s armed forces.

Russia said it views any such deployment as a direct threat. The Foreign Ministry warned that the placement of Western military units, facilities, depots or related infrastructure on Ukrainian territory would be classified as foreign intervention, endangering not only Russia but also other European countries.

“All such units and facilities will be considered legitimate combat targets of the Russian Armed Forces,” the statement said.

The ministry also accused Western governments and Ukraine’s leadership of forming what it called an “axis of war,” arguing that the proposed plans were becoming increasingly dangerous and destructive for Europe’s future. It said European populations were being compelled by their governments to finance what it characterized as militaristic ambitions.

Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and has consistently argued that its actions were aimed at preventing Ukraine from being drawn into NATO and used as a platform to threaten Russian security. Moscow has repeatedly said it will not accept the stationing of Western forces in Ukraine under any circumstances.

Ukraine and its allies reject Russia’s justification, accusing Moscow of pursuing an imperial-style war intended to seize Ukrainian territory. Russian forces currently occupy nearly 20 percent of Ukraine, according to Kyiv and its partners. Ukrainian officials and Western governments say firm security guarantees are essential to any peace settlement to prevent future Russian attacks.

The United States has ruled out sending its own troops to Ukraine. However, at Tuesday’s Paris meeting, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff said President Donald Trump “strongly stands behind” security arrangements designed to deter future aggression against Ukraine, signaling continued American support for postwar security measures short of direct troop deployment.