Russia's Medvedev warns of war if NATO troops deploy to Ukraine

A senior Russian security official has escalated Moscow's rhetorical stance against Western military support for Ukraine, warning that the deployment of European or NATO troops would lead to severe consequences and potential wider conflict.

Direct Threat from Moscow

Dmitry Medvedev, who serves as deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, stated on Saturday that Russia "won't accept any European or NATO troops in Ukraine." In a social media post on X, Medvedev used harsh language targeting French President Emmanuel Macron, referring to his proposals as "pathetic bullshit" and suggesting European leaders were deliberately seeking war. "The ruling European dimwits want a war in Europe after all," Medvedev wrote.

Context of Western Discussions

The Russian official's comments follow recent discussions among European leaders about forming a potential "Coalition of the Willing" that could deploy troops to Ukraine for peacekeeping or security purposes after any future ceasefire agreement. Earlier this week, France and the United Kingdom signed a declaration of intent regarding potential force deployment to ensure stability should a peace deal be reached.

Moscow's Consistent Position

Russia has maintained a consistent position throughout the Ukraine conflict that any foreign military presence in Ukrainian territory would be viewed as a direct threat to Russian security interests. Medvedev's statement reinforces this longstanding red line, accompanied by what he described as footage of a Russian strike in western Ukraine as a demonstration of potential consequences.