Russia's Maria Zakharova slams Western troop involvement in Ukraine

Maria Zakharova of the Russian Foreign Ministry went on the record Saturday, making it clear that the involvement of foreign troops in Ukraine is 'categorically unacceptable.' She doubled down on the warning that bringing in more Western military units would only further escalate relations with Moscow.

Zakharova blasted Western countries during a press briefing, asserting that deploying outside troops would 'de facto constitute a military intervention.' She added that this action represents a deliberate projection of threats against Russia’s security.

The Russian Armed Forces maintain that any military unit operating within Ukraine constitutes a legitimate target. She further claimed that responsibility for any resulting escalation would fall entirely on those who are 'constantly generating new military adventures against Russia.'

Furthermore, Zakharova dismissed the military exercises led by the Coalition of the Willing ahead of the trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi. She stressed that Europeans simply have 'no place at the negotiating table.'