Russian Diplomats Denounce Potential NATO Troop Deployment in Ukraine
On August 18, 2025, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova firmly opposed the proposed deployment of NATO forces in Ukraine following a potential cease-fire. This statement came after a meeting of the “Coalition of Volunteers,” co-chaired by the United Kingdom and France, during which this plan was discussed, reports 24brussels.
Zakharova emphasized Russia’s strong condemnation of any scenario involving NATO military presence in Ukraine, stating it would lead to an uncontrollable escalation of the conflict and unpredictable consequences. “We confirm our categorical rejection of any scenario that envisions the presence of a NATO military contingent in Ukraine,” she articulated, emphasizing that such moves could provoke further hostilities.
Criticizing London and Paris, Zakharova described their statements as provocations that reflect their “openly predatory aspirations” regarding the ongoing conflict. “These belligerent statements, which are de facto a cynical instigation to continue hostilities, only confirm that London is not interested in resolving the situation and is doing everything possible to prolong the bloodshed,” she added.
Zakharova further accused the British government of disrupting Kyiv’s possibilities for negotiation, asserting, “The British policy simply does not allow Kyiv to exit the conflict through negotiations, and, as is typical for them, they arrogantly and self-righteously prolong the suffering of the Ukrainian people.”
The diplomat warned the UK about the ramifications of its geopolitical moves, suggesting, “They can hardly understand the full weight of the responsibility they are assuming, and the potentially catastrophic consequences of the destructive policy they have chosen.”
In response, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated their support for Ukraine during the same meeting, commending President Volodymyr Zelensky’s aspiration for “a just and lasting peace.” They highlighted the importance of a possible multinational force in Ukraine provided by the Coalition of Volunteers.
Starmer and Macron reaffirmed their commitment to offer security guarantees to Ukraine and indicated their readiness to deploy a guarantee force to protect Ukraine’s interests once hostilities have ceased, helping to regenerate the country’s armed forces.
As tensions escalate, the implications of these diplomatic exchanges are likely to shape the future landscape of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
