Statement from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that military contingents from Western countries that will be sent to Ukraine will become legitimate military targets for the Russian armed forces. This statement came in response to recent plans by Great Britain and France to deploy multinational forces on Ukrainian territory.
The statement from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs was announced on Thursday. It came after a meeting of the coalition of willing participants that took place on Tuesday in Paris. During this meeting, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed the possibility of sending several thousand French soldiers to Ukraine. In turn, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that the document being discussed paves the way for creating a legal framework for military actions on Ukrainian territory.
International implications and escalation of tension
It should be noted that Russia began a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and as of today, about 20% of Ukrainian territory is under Russian control. In this context, the statement from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding possible consequences for Western military contingents raises serious international concerns. All such units and facilities will be considered legitimate military targets for the Russian armed forces, the Moscow agency said.
This statement underscores the escalation of tensions between Russia and Western countries amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. It could also lead to new diplomatic and military escalations as Western countries consider supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. Moscow's reaction to the plans for troop deployment indicates Russia's readiness for active response to changes in the military situation on the front.