Russia warns Western troops in Ukraine could become legitimate military targets
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova (photo: Getty Images).
The Coalition of the Willing's declaration on security guarantees for Kyiv is allegedly far removed from a peaceful settlement. Russia will regard Western troops deployed in Ukraine as "legitimate military targets," Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.
Commenting on the declaration on security guarantees signed by members of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris on January 6, Zakharova said that "the document turned out to be extremely far from a peaceful settlement."
"It is aimed not at achieving lasting peace and security, but at continuing militarization, escalation, and the expansion of the conflict," the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said.
She warned that the deployment of Western troops and military facilities in Ukraine would be regarded as an intervention posing a security threat, and that Western units and military facilities in Ukraine would be considered legitimate military targets.
Zakharova also added that the plans of the West and Ukraine "are becoming increasingly dangerous and destructive for the future of Europe and its population."
Security guarantees for Ukraine
On January 6, talks were held in Paris involving Ukraine, the United States, and Coalition of the Willing countries on security guarantees for Ukraine as part of a peace agreement.
Ukraine's allies plan to take on real binding commitments that would apply in the event of new Russian aggression. These provisions are set out in the draft Paris Agreement on Security Guarantees for Ukraine.
Representatives of Ukraine and the United States, within the framework of the Coalition of the Willing, also agreed on specific steps to implement and monitor a ceasefire regime, although further progress on these arrangements depends on Russia's position, which has so far not confirmed its readiness to comply.
It is known that France and Germany have long expressed readiness to send their troops to Ukraine after a ceasefire.
Meanwhile, Germany has expressed its readiness to join efforts to secure a possible ceasefire in Ukraine, but without committing to sending troops.
Belgium is ready to provide aviation and naval forces to ensure Ukraine's security after the end of the war.
In addition, Canada allows the deployment of its troops to Ukraine in the event of a peace agreement. The country's initial contribution could be training Ukrainian military personnel.
Lithuanian Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas also stated that after peace is achieved, the country could send several hundred of its troops to Ukraine.
Moreover, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez authorized, for the first time, the deployment of Spanish troops to a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine after a ceasefire as part of a potential peace agreement.
Romania will not send its troops to Ukraine, but is ready to contribute to security guarantees by strengthening security in the Black Sea.
