The deployment of peacekeepers to Ukraine is considered participation in the conflict, according to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The deployment of a Western peacekeeping contingent to Ukraine will be considered direct involvement in the conflict.

This statement was made by Yulia Zhdanova, Acting Head of the Russian delegation at the Vienna negotiations on military security and arms control.

The text of her speech was published on the official website of the Russian Foreign Ministry.

“For Russia, the deployment of military contingents of other states in Ukraine under any ‘flag’ is absolutely unacceptable—whether it be foreign troops, military bases, or so-called ‘peacekeeping operations’ proposed by those who have removed the words ‘peacekeeping’ and ‘peace’ from their vocabulary and political practice altogether,” the diplomat stated.

Zhdanova emphasized that if Western countries send their troops to Ukraine, it will signify their “direct involvement in an armed conflict with Russia.” She also warned that in such a scenario, Moscow “will respond with all available means.”

Earlier, a newspaper report citing military sources stated that British special forces had been placed on standby in case of potential deployment to Ukraine as part of a possible “peacekeeping” mission. It was noted that the order also applied to special forces reservists.