Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, cautioned on Monday about the deployment of NATO troops in Ukraine while world leaders aim to resolve nearly three years of conflict.
“We will continue to emphasize our stance against any scenario that involves sending military forces into Ukraine with NATO’s participation,” she stated.
This warning comes after French President Emmanuel Macron established the “Waily Alliance” earlier this year, which includes 31 nations responding to Russia’s increased activities in Eastern Europe and threatening “thousands of boots on the ground.”
In response to a statement from Zakharova regarding the UK’s potential deployment of troops to Eastern Europe, she countered claims made by UK Labour leader Keir Starmer that Britain would send military personnel, especially during meetings with President Trump in Anchorage, Alaska.
Zakharova noted that for a sensible and lasting resolution to the issues surrounding Ukraine, it is crucial to address the root causes, a task that involves efforts from both Moscow and Washington.
She urged the UK to “abandon dangerous and illegal geopolitical maneuvers” and to refrain from hindering the rigorous negotiations taking place between Russian and American leaders.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin carried out a significant attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure on Monday evening.
Prior to the coordinated drone and missile strikes, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed hopes of meeting with Trump at the White House, alongside European leaders, to bring an end to the prolonged conflict.
“I don’t want to waste my time; I just want to finish this,” Trump told Fox News on Tuesday morning. However, he reiterated that U.S. military forces would not enter Ukraine to stop the violence.
“You have my assurance, and I am the president,” he said when questioned about the possibility of France and the UK joining in any military deployment.
He added, “I’m just trying to stop people from being killed.”
