Moscow, Russia. Russia’s foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday that any deployment of British troops in Ukraine would prolong the war and increase the risk of a wider confrontation.
Zakharova response to UK and French statements
France and Britain have said they intend to send troops to Ukraine once a ceasefire in the war with Russia is reached.
British Defence Minister John Healey wrote in a weekend newspaper article: “I want to be the defence secretary who deploys British troops to Ukraine – because this will mean that this war is finally over.”
Zakharova told reporters: “Contrary to Healey’s misconception, the deployment of British troops to Ukraine will not mean the end of the war, but rather a prolongation of the conflict and an increase in the risk of a large-scale military confrontation involving many more states.”
Warning on foreign troops in Ukraine
Zakharova repeated a warning by Russia that it would see any foreign troops in Ukraine as legitimate targets.
How do you think the statements by Britain, France and Russia could affect prospects for a ceasefire in Ukraine?