Moscow labels “coalition of the willing” plan as foreign intervention

The Russian Foreign Ministry has criticised the plans to establish a multinational military force in support of Ukraine, warning that any such deployment would be viewed as a form of foreign intervention and a legitimate military target.

During a briefing, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that Moscow considers the presence of foreign troops on Ukrainian territory, regardless of the flag under which they operate, to be unacceptable. She noted that Russia would regard the formation of any such force as a "direct threat and an indication of preparations for intervention," Caliber.Az reports via TASS. 

Zakharova was responding to recent developments from a summit of the "Coalition of the willing" — a group of countries backing Ukraine militarily.

According to a communiqué released by the office of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the coalition's headquarters will initially be based in Paris under the command of a senior general, before relocating to London after one year.

She stressed that Russia had consistently warned against the deployment of foreign armed forces in Ukraine and reiterated that Moscow would treat any such multinational presence as a legitimate military target.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also weighed in, previously dismissing Western proposals to create such a force as "unrealistic ambitions driven by individuals seeking international attention."

By Sabina Mammadli