Foreign troops would be treated as legitimate targets if deployed to the country, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has said

Moscow would view any troop deployment by European NATO nations to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire as a military intervention, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has warned.

Speaking at a regular briefing on Wednesday, Zakharova said preparations by the so-called 'coalition of the willing' to dispatch a UK- and French-led contingent to Ukraine are "an undisguised plan for 'foreign military intervention'," stressing that this is "categorically unacceptable" to Moscow.

Zakharova reiterated that the deployment of Western forces on Ukrainian soil "under any pretext" would pose a threat to Russia's security, and that "these troops will be regarded by us as a legitimate military target."

Her remarks came after NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said on Tuesday that "some European allies" had announced they would deploy forces after an agreement was reached. According to Rutte, the force would include "troops on the ground, jets in the air, ships on the Black Sea," adding that "the United States will be the backstop."

Kiev's backers have long eyed a potential troop deployment in Ukraine. France and Britain signed a declaration of intent with Kiev in early January on a European-led 'Multinational Force for Ukraine', including plans for 'military hubs' to support training and rebuilding capabilities after any ceasefire. At the time, French President Emmanuel Macron said Paris alone could send some 6,000 troops that are expected to be positioned far from the front line.

However, earlier this month, the Financial Times reported that the UK and France are reluctant to deploy troops to Ukraine unless they receive solid US backing.

US President Donald Trump has ruled out sending American ground troops, but suggested that Washington could provide other means of support, though stressing that European NATO members should bear the brunt of responsibility.

(RT.com)