Russia has warned that any Western military troops sent to Ukraine as part of a post-conflict security agreement would be regarded as “legitimate combat targets,” strongly condemning a recently signed Paris declaration that lays out security assurances for Kyiv.
In a statement shared on the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Telegram channel, spokesperson Maria Zakharova noted that the declaration—supported by Ukraine, the United States, and several European nations—does not aim for peace but instead seeks to further militarize Ukraine and escalate the conflict.
She specifically opposed clauses calling for a multinational force and ongoing military support, cautioning that any foreign soldiers, military infrastructure, or facilities on Ukrainian soil would be seen by Moscow as direct external interference.
“All such units and facilities will be considered as legitimate combat targets of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation,” Zakharova said.
“These warnings have been voiced more than once at the highest level and remain relevant.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated on Monday that the UK and France have signed an intent declaration to provide security support in the event of a peace deal, including establishing military hubs and storage facilities for weapons and equipment after a ceasefire.
“It paves the way for the legal framework under which British, French and partner forces could operate on Ukrainian soil – securing Ukraine’s skies and seas – and regenerating Ukraine’s armed forces for the future,” he said at a press conference after the Coalition of the Willing meeting in Paris.
“We also have agreed [on] significant further steps. First, that we will participate in U.S.-led monitoring and verification of any ceasefire. Second, we will support the efforts for Ukraine’s defense. And third, we will work toward binding commitments to support Ukraine in the case of a future armed attack by Russia,” he added.
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff stated on X that negotiators made significant progress on a bilateral security agreement and a prosperity plan for Ukraine, calling durable security guarantees essential to a lasting peace.
A Ukrainian official said on Thursday that the document on security guarantees for Ukraine is essentially “ready for finalization at the highest level with the President of the United States.”
“Complex issues from the basic framework for ending the war were also addressed, and the Ukrainian side presented possible options for finalizing this document,” he added. “We understand that the American side will engage with Russia, and we expect feedback on whether the aggressor is genuinely willing to end the war.”