Russia says France’s ‘intentions’ to form coalition to send troops to Ukraine ‘very dangerous’

ISTANBUL

Russia on Monday said France’s alleged intentions to form a coalition of countries willing to send troops to Ukraine is a “very dangerous” line of thought.

“In general, the expansion of the discussion and the persistent activity of Paris in attempts to put together a coalition of countries that declare a hypothetical readiness to send a certain contingent, of course, is nothing more than a direct line to escalate tension,” spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in a Moscow press briefing.

“This is a dangerous line, very dangerous,” Peskov said, expressing that such a direction “could potentially have very undesirable consequences” and that they are watching these developments “very closely.”

Last month, French President Emmanuel Macron did not rule out sending Western soldiers to Ukraine “to make sure Russia does not prevail,” an idea rejected by allies including Germany. It is, however, being said that Paris is building an alliance of countries open to the idea.

Peskov said Russia’s intelligence services have long had information about the presence of people “directly related” with NATO in Ukraine.

Ukraine and the West’s intention to inflict a “strategic defeat” on Russia is “the deepest delusion, the deepest mistake,” he added.

Russia launched its “special military operation” in Ukraine two years ago. Western countries have since supported Kyiv through economic, humanitarian and military means but have ruled out direct involvement in the conflict.

The developments come as Ukraine is said to be suffering from ammunition shortage, making it difficult to halt the advance of Russian troops.

• Dmitry Peskov
• France
• Kremlin
• Russia
• Ukraine