ISTANBUL
Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, warned on Saturday that it would not tolerate the presence of European or NATO troops in Ukraine, accusing European leaders of seeking a wider conflict and threatening severe consequences if such plans are implemented.
Medvedev issued a harsh rebuke of recent discussions regarding the potential deployment of Western forces to Ukraine.
"The ruling European dimwits want a war in Europe after all. It’s been said a thousand times: Russia won’t accept any European or NATO troops in Ukraine, but no, Micron keeps peddling this pathetic bullshit," Medvedev said in a statement on US social media company X, using a derogatory nickname for French President Emmanuel Macron.
"Well, come on then. This is what you’ll get," he added, attaching footage of a strike on western Ukraine using the Oreshnik system to the publication.
Medvedev's remarks came after Macron and other European leaders recently discussed the formation of a "Coalition of the Willing" to potentially deploy troops for peacekeeping or security guarantees following any future ceasefire.
France and the UK signed a declaration of intent earlier this week to deploy forces to Ukraine in the event of a peace deal, a move they argue is necessary to ensure stability.
Moscow has consistently stated that any foreign military presence in Ukraine would be viewed as a direct threat and a legitimate target.