Russia issued a stark warning Thursday, declaring any Western military presence established in Ukraine after a potential peace agreement would be immediately designated as a legitimate military target. The statement, delivered through the Russian Foreign Ministry, sharply condemned a recently signed declaration in Paris promising security guarantees to Kyiv.
Moscow views the Paris declaration – backed by Ukraine, the United States, and numerous European nations – not as a pathway to peace, but as a deliberate escalation of the conflict. Officials specifically object to plans for a multinational force and the continuation of military aid to Ukraine’s armed forces, framing it as a dangerous provocation.
According to the Russian statement, any foreign troops, military installations, or logistical hubs constructed on Ukrainian territory will be considered a direct act of foreign intervention. This chilling declaration leaves no room for ambiguity: such targets would be subject to attack by the Russian military.
The warning isn’t new, officials emphasized, but a reiteration of previous statements made at the highest levels of government. It underscores the Kremlin’s unwavering opposition to increased Western involvement in the region and its determination to view any such move as a hostile act.
The declaration in question, signed by the United Kingdom and France, outlines a potential framework for deploying forces to Ukraine even after a ceasefire. The plan includes establishing military bases and storage facilities for weapons and equipment, intended to bolster Ukraine’s defenses and facilitate the rebuilding of its armed forces.
British officials described the agreement as creating the legal foundation for international forces to operate within Ukraine, safeguarding its airspace and maritime territories. They also pledged participation in monitoring any future ceasefire and providing ongoing military support to Ukraine.
U.S. negotiators reported significant progress on a bilateral security guarantee framework and a comprehensive economic plan for Ukraine, emphasizing the critical importance of lasting security assurances for achieving a durable peace. These guarantees are seen as essential to deterring future aggression.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the security guarantee document is nearing completion, awaiting final approval at the presidential level with the United States. He indicated that complex issues related to a potential end to the war were discussed, with Ukraine offering concrete proposals for finalizing the agreement.
Zelenskyy acknowledged the expectation that the United States will engage in direct dialogue with Russia regarding the proposed security arrangements. He expressed a desire for a clear indication from Moscow whether the aggressor is genuinely committed to ending the conflict, a pivotal question hanging over the future of the region.
