Russia warns against potential deployment of multinational forces in Ukraine

Western allies of the so-called Coalition of the Willing met in Paris this week to discuss plans for a Multinational Force for Ukraine (MNF-U). The proposed force would be deployed following the cessation of hostilities to support Ukraine’s recovery and military reorganization. Allies announced that upcoming exercises will test the operational capabilities of the MNF-U in the coming months. In response, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that any such deployment is unacceptable to Moscow. She characterized the potential presence of these units as a foreign intervention and an escalation of security threats against Russia. Furthermore, Russia explicitly warned that it would treat any such multinational military units on Ukrainian territory as legitimate military targets.