Kremlin: NATO troop deployment in Ukraine would be "absolutely unacceptable"

Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has said that any deployment of foreign military forces to Ukraine under European security plans would be "absolutely unacceptable" to Russia, arguing that such proposals are actively being discussed within the European Union and NATO.

Speaking to reporters, Peskov said repeated statements by European officials indicated that plans to station foreign military contingents in Ukraine were being considered as part of future security guarantees for Kyiv, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

Peskov said Russia could not accept such a deployment, arguing that one of the objectives of Russia’s war in Ukraine was to prevent NATO troops from being stationed on Ukrainian territory.

He also said he had no information regarding a Politico report claiming that FBI Director Kash Patel was planning to visit Russia in mid-October.

Commenting on the appointment of Andy Burnham as the United Kingdom's new prime minister, Peskov said Russian President Vladimir Putin had no plans to contact him. He added that the Kremlin had noted Burnham's early statements expressing support for Ukraine and Britain's intention to continue assisting Kyiv.

“One of his first actions was to make statements expressing unconditional support for Ukraine and, consequently, the UK’s intention to continue doing everything possible to prolong the war. This is a fact which we, of course, are taking note of,” Peskov said, adding that “Russia harbours no hopes that relations with London will improve with the arrival of the new UK Prime Minister, Andy Burnham.” 

Peskov also addressed the recent attack on a Wildberries warehouse, saying the company’s facilities were not being used to supply the Russian military. He added that the situation following the attack was complicated and that the Russian government was examining the matter.

By Sabina Mammadli