Russia Opposes NATO Military Contingent In Ukraine

• 19.08.2025, 0:00

This was stated by Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.

Russia opposes the deployment of a Western military contingent in Ukraine if an agreement on ending the war is reached. This was stated in a statement by Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, released on Telegram on Monday, August 18.

"We reiterate the position we have repeatedly voiced about our categorical rejection of any scenarios that envisage the appearance in Ukraine of a military contingent with the participation of NATO countries, which is fraught with an uncontrolled escalation of the conflict with unpredictable consequences," Zakharova wrote.

European Commission Chairwoman Ursula von der Leyen together with Ukrainian head of state Vladimir Zelensky took part in a videoconference of a "coalition of the willing" on August 17. It includes Germany, Britain and France, among others. In total, the group includes some 30 states.

The allies' teleconference was designed to strengthen Zelensky's position, particularly on the issue of credible security guarantees for Ukraine that would include U.S. involvement. The talks were held ahead of a summit in Washington on Aug. 18.

In a statement following the coalition meeting, Macron and Starmer on Aug. 17 "reiterated their readiness to deploy security forces after the cessation of hostilities, as well as to help secure Ukraine's air and sea space and rebuild its armed forces."