Russia says any foreign forces in Ukraine would be ‘legitimate targets’, after UK and France pledge troops

Russia has restated its long-standing position that any Western military forces deployed in Ukraine would be considered legitimate targets, days after the United Kingdom and France pledged to send troops as part of a potential peace agreement. The Russian Foreign Ministry warned that the deployment of military units, facilities, warehouses, or other infrastructure belonging to Western countries on Ukrainian territory would be regarded as foreign intervention. The statement followed a declaration of intent signed by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron at a recent meeting of the so-called Coalition of the Willing, where both leaders agreed to deploy a multinational force to help guarantee Ukraines security. Russia said it has repeatedly issued similar warnings at the highest level and described the latest agreement by Ukraines allies as a new militaristic declaration. Moscow has consistently opposed the presence of Western troops in Ukraine. Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky has long insisted that any peace deal must include strong security guarantees from Western allies to deter future Russian aggression. The nature of these guarantees has gradually taken shape after months of discussions among European nations and the United States. The latest agreement establishes a legal framework that would allow British and French troops to operate in Ukraine, following earlier indications from both countries that they were prepared to deploy forces. Zelensky said the security guarantees agreement is now essentially ready for final approval at the highest level, including discussions with the US president, after further negotiations held in France. Despite these developments, Russias response highlights how far apart Moscow and Ukraines allies remain in negotiations over ending the war. Meanwhile, Russian attacks on Ukraine have intensified in recent weeks, particularly targeting energy infrastructure as winter conditions worsen. Authorities in Kyiv have urged residents to stock up on water, batteries, and warm clothing amid fears of further strikes, with temperatures expected to drop as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Russia must demonstrate a willingness to compromise for peace to be achieved, adding that despite its rhetoric, Moscow has shown little sign of readiness to end the conflict..