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Russia’s Foreign Ministry has again referred to potential foreign troops in Ukraine as “legitimate military targets,” commenting on the Declaration of Intent regarding the “Coalition of the Willing,” signed in Paris by the leaders of Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and France.
Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova accused the declaration of escalating the conflict rather than contributing to peace, claiming it aims to “militarize and expand” the war. She said the planned deployment of multinational forces in Ukraine after the war, intended to help rebuild Ukraine’s armed forces and deter Russia, would be viewed in Moscow as foreign intervention and a direct security threat not only to Russia, but to Europe as well.
According to Zakharova, any foreign military personnel, facilities, depots, or supporting infrastructure on Ukrainian territory would be regarded as lawful military targets for Russian forces. She repeated standard Kremlin narratives about the need to address so-called “root causes” of the war, referencing “demilitarization,” “denazification,” and the recognition of what Russia calls “new territorial realities.” She added that Russia would continue pursuing its goals in Ukraine through military means or diplomacy.
Zakharova also claimed that the plans of the “Coalition of the Willing” form a “war axis” and pose increasing risks for Europe and its citizens, who she alleged are being forced to fund these initiatives.
The Paris declaration states that Ukraine’s Armed Forces, with an estimated strength of 800,000 troops after the war, will remain the primary line of defense against future Russian aggression. Meanwhile, international forces from coalition member states would be deployed on land, in the air, and at sea to help ensure the maintenance of any ceasefire.
