Russia warns West against “militarising” Ukraine, hints at strikes on foreign bases

Russia has warned Western countries of serious consequences following plans to further “militarise” Ukraine, after a declaration on security guarantees for Kyiv was signed in Paris by a so-called “coalition of the willing.”

Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, said the document, signed on January 6, is “far from a path to peace” and instead aims to continue the militarisation of Ukraine, escalate the conflict, and expand hostilities, Caliber.Az reports.

She added that its core element involves the deployment of “multinational forces” by coalition members to support the Ukrainian armed forces and maintain “deterrence” against Russia once active fighting ceases.

Zakharova warned that the presence of foreign troops, military bases, depots, and infrastructure in Ukraine would be considered a foreign intervention posing a direct threat to the security of both Russia and other European countries.

“All such facilities will become legitimate targets for the Russian Armed Forces,” she said.

The Russian Foreign Ministry also stated that a peaceful resolution is only possible by addressing the root causes of the conflict, recognising Ukraine’s neutral status, and acknowledging current territorial realities.

It added that these objectives will be achieved either through political-diplomatic means or within the framework of its ongoing military operation.

By Aghakazim Guliyev