February 3, 2026 l By Dalena Reporters International Correspondent
MOSCOW — The Russian government has declared that any deployment of foreign military forces or related infrastructure in Ukraine would be considered unacceptable and treated as “legitimate targets” for its armed forces, intensifying tensions around the long-running Russia-Ukraine conflict, officials said on Monday.
In a statement released by the Russian Foreign Ministry, Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Moscow views any Western military presence on Ukrainian soil including troops, facilities, or logistical support as foreign intervention that directly threatens Russia’s national security. The ministry’s remarks were issued in response to questions posed to Lavrov about evolving negotiations and peace efforts.
“The deployment of military units, facilities, warehouses, and other infrastructure of Western countries in Ukraine is unacceptable to us and will be regarded as foreign intervention posing a direct threat to Russia’s security,” the announcement read. It specifically warned that any such foreign contingents including German forces — “will become legitimate targets for the Russian Armed Forces.”
The comments come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to negotiate a cease-fire and end the conflict, including U.S.-led talks that envision a peace agreement requiring security guarantees though details remain contested. The United States and other Western nations have been discussing possible roles for international forces to help enforce future agreements and deter further hostilities.
Moscow’s warning underscores its longstanding opposition to the presence of NATO or other foreign troops in Ukraine, which the Kremlin has repeatedly characterized as a fundamental threat that justifies its defensive posture. Russia’s stance remains a major sticking point in negotiations, particularly as Kyiv and its Western partners seek ways to protect Ukrainian sovereignty in the face of continued hostilities.
At the same time, the Russian Foreign Ministry praised recent efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump to work toward a resolution of the conflict. According to the ministry, Trump’s approach reflects understanding of what Moscow describes as the “root causes” of the war including concerns over NATO’s eastward expansion and military ties with Ukraine.
International analysts say the Kremlin’s rigid stance on foreign forces complicates prospects for a negotiated peace and risks further escalation if diplomatic talks stall. Kyiv has rejected Moscow’s territorial demands including calls to cede internationally recognized regions such as the Donbas and continues to seek external support for defence and reconstruction.
The next round of peace discussions, scheduled to be convened in the United Arab Emirates later this week, will be closely watched as countries attempt to bridge deep divisions over security guarantees, territory, and enforcement mechanisms that could shape the conflict’s trajectory.