Russian MFA: NATO's entry into Ukraine would lead to global catastrophe

The deployment of NATO forces into Ukraine would trigger catastrophic consequences worldwide and bring the alliance into direct conflict with Russia, warned Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.

She responded to Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna's call for European military forces to be sent to Ukraine to "reinforce" any peace agreement with Russia, Caliber.Az reports referencing Russian media.

"I do not understand, maybe they are not able to comprehend it, but the appearance of NATO contingents on the territory of Ukraine will mean the alliance's entry into a war against our country. We have told them about it many times because it will lead to catastrophic consequences not only for Europe but for the whole world," Zakharova said during a briefing.

Zakharova further criticized Tsahkna, accusing him of pushing other NATO members into an "adventure that is deliberately doomed to failure." She added, "I see that now these very NATO countries are backing up the escalation with the corpses of Ukrainian citizens; this is what they are adept at."

Tsahkna had earlier suggested in an interview with FT that European leaders should prepare to send military forces to Ukraine in support of a peace deal, particularly if it were brokered by newly elected US President Donald Trump. He emphasized that NATO membership would be the best security guarantee for Ukraine, a stance supported by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. However, Tsahkna acknowledged that if the US opposed Ukraine's NATO membership, Europe would need to take action to protect Ukraine from further Russian aggression once the fighting subsided.

"Real security guarantees mean a just peace, and then we talk about NATO membership. But without the US, this will not be possible, and we are talking about any form of external presence," Tsahkna emphasized.

Tsahkna noted that Trump's promise of a swift resolution to the war in Ukraine raised concerns over potential unfair agreements, particularly if US military support were threatened. The Estonian minister added that Trump's victory had intensified discussions within NATO allies on supporting Ukraine, especially given Ukraine's recent losses on the frontline, and had also incentivized Moscow to come to the negotiating table.

Estonia, which has long supported Ukraine, has been a vocal advocate for arms deliveries despite concerns from some allies. Tallinn views a potential Russian victory as a threat to the security of the Baltic states.

Some analysts suggest that Europe could form a coalition of nations, led by Poland and the UK, to support Ukraine militarily, while France and Germany's involvement would be crucial given their significant contributions to military aid.

Tsahkna also underscored the importance of Europe investing more in defence, urging countries to raise defence spending to 2.5% of GDP. He called for strengthening Europe's defence industry, noting that Estonia had already asked its citizens to make greater sacrifices.

In a final note, Tsahkna remarked, "Ukraine is now NATO's first line of defence, and developments in the European security architecture could change."

By Tamilla Hasanova