Russia Rejects Any NATO Troop Deployment in Ukraine as ‘Categorically Unacceptable’
Russia has reiterated its firm opposition to any deployment of NATO troops in Ukraine, describing such a move as categorically unacceptable. The position was outlined by Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, who stressed that any direct NATO military presence would fundamentally escalate the conflict and undermine prospects for de-escalation.
Zakharova also criticized Finland’s current approach toward Russia, saying Moscow sees no practical steps from Helsinki to normalize relations. On the contrary, she argued, Finland continues to pursue policies hostile to Russia, adding that no progress is possible without a fundamental reversal of what she described as Finland’s anti-Russian course.
Addressing broader international issues, Zakharova said Russia will continue to “relentlessly pursue the truth” about the sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines. She also expressed hope that the planned US-Iran talks on February 6 would lead to tangible de-escalation. At the same time, she strongly condemned what she called the actions of the Zelenskyy regime, accusing it of carrying out linguistic genocide against Russian-speaking Ukrainians, and criticized Western policies toward foreign students, saying visa restrictions and renewal practices often reach the level of xenophobia.
