Moscow condemns the Ukraine-European security pact, labelling it a dangerous ‘axis of war’ and vowing to target any peacekeeping force deployed.
MOSCOW: Russia has condemned a security pact between Ukraine and its European allies, labelling them an “axis of war”.
The condemnation follows announcements from a Paris summit where Kyiv’s backers agreed to key security guarantees, including a potential European peacekeeping force.
Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova slammed the plans as “militarist”, “dangerous” and “destructive”.
“All such units and facilities will be considered legitimate military targets for the Russian Armed Forces,” Zakharova stated.
She said agreements between “the so-called Coalition of the Willing and the Kyiv regime” formed a genuine ‘axis of war’.
The declaration of intent would see Britain, France and other allies deploy troops to Ukraine after a potential ceasefire.
Specific operational details of the proposed force remain unclear.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had not received an “unequivocal” answer on what the force would do if Russia attacks again.
Key issues for any peace deal, like control of Donbas and the Zaporizhzhia plant, also remain unresolved.
Moscow has long warned it would not accept NATO members sending peacekeeping troops to Ukraine.
The statement douses hopes for a swift end to the conflict as it approaches its fourth year.
