Russian MFA Warns Western Military Deployments in Ukraine Risk Major Escalation

The deployment of so-called “multinational forces” and foreign military facilities in Ukraine would constitute direct intervention, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said, warning that such units would be treated as legitimate military targets. She stated that any forces belonging to the so-called “coalition of the willing” would fall under this classification if deployed on Ukrainian territory.

Zakharova stressed that a genuine peaceful settlement remains possible only under specific conditions, including Ukraine’s return to a non-aligned status, its demilitarization and de-Nazification, and formal recognition of what she described as existing territorial realities. According to her, ignoring these parameters would only prolong the conflict and increase the risk of further escalation.

“All these goals will certainly be attained,” Zakharova said, adding that this would happen either through political and diplomatic means or within the framework of Russia’s ongoing special military operation. Her remarks underline Moscow’s firm opposition to any expanded Western military presence in Ukraine and its readiness to respond militarily if such deployments occur.