Russia Warns Western Troops in Ukraine Would Be Treated as Legitimate Military Targets After UK-France Deployment Plans

Russia warned on Thursday that any Western troops deployed to Ukraine would be treated as legitimate military targets, following announcements by Britain and France about plans to send a multinational force if a ceasefire is reached. The Russian Foreign Ministry said the increasingly militaristic rhetoric from pro-Ukraine Western governments poses growing risks and threatens wider regional stability.

Moscow was responding for the first time to a meeting of the so-called coalition of the willing held in Paris, where Britain and France signed a declaration outlining intentions for a future deployment. French President Emmanuel Macron said the plan could involve sending thousands of French soldiers, while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the move would establish a legal framework allowing British, French and allied forces to operate in Ukraine, protect its airspace and maritime areas, and support the rebuilding of its armed forces.

Russia said the deployment of Western military units, bases, storage facilities or other infrastructure on Ukrainian territory would be viewed as direct foreign intervention and a serious threat to the security of Russia and other European states. Moscow stressed that all such forces and installations would be considered legitimate targets for the Russian Armed Forces.

The statement further described the latest declarations by the coalition and the Ukrainian leadership as forming an axis of war, warning that these plans are becoming increasingly dangerous and harmful for Europe’s future. Russia also accused Western leaders of pushing policies that could escalate conflict while placing the financial burden on European citizens.