Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the presence of foreign military units, facilities, or infrastructure in Ukraine would be treated as foreign intervention and a direct threat to Russia’s security.
“All such units and facilities will be considered legitimate combat targets of the Russian Armed Forces,” Zakharova said.
Paris Summit Signals New Commitments
The warning followed a meeting in Paris where British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron signed a “declaration of intent” with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The document outlines plans to create a legal framework for British, French, and partner forces to operate on Ukrainian soil. Details of the deployment have not been finalized.
The United States has not committed to sending troops but indicated it could provide air support and other assistance for European forces.
Peace Prospects Dim
Ukraine continues to reject any territorial concessions to Russia, while Western nations discuss security guarantees similar to NATO protections. These positions, combined with Russia’s threats, make a negotiated peace deal unlikely in the near term.