Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov issued a stark warning to European allies of Ukraine and Kyiv itself as the year comes to a close, signaling heightened tensions ahead of potential military escalations.
Lavrov stated that any European military presence in Ukraine would be considered a legitimate target for Russian armed forces.
“The ambitions of European politicians blind them completely. How else can we explain ongoing discussions in Europe about sending military forces to Ukraine as part of a ‘coalition of volunteers’? We have stated repeatedly that, in this case, they will become legitimate targets for our armed forces,” Lavrov said.
He further criticized the Ukrainian government under President Volodymyr Zelensky, claiming it is not prepared for constructive negotiations.
“We see that the regime of Vladimir Zelensky and his European supporters are unwilling to engage in constructive dialogue,” Lavrov added.
The Russian minister also accused Kyiv of actions that terrorize its citizens and aim to sabotage Russia’s political infrastructure, escalating rhetoric amid ongoing tensions between Moscow and Kyiv.
