Russia warns Western forces in Ukraine would be considered ‘legitimate combat targets’

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Putin begins annual televised news conference

Russian President Vladimir Putin held his annual news conference on Friday, which featured questions from journalists and members of the public across the country.(Credit: Reuters)

Russia on Thursdaywarned that any Western military forces deployed to Ukraine under a post-war security arrangement would be considered “legitimate combat targets,” sharply criticizing a newly signed Paris declaration outlining security guarantees for Kyiv.

In a statement posted on the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Telegram channel, spokeswoman Maria Zakharova saidthe declaration, backed by Ukraine, the United States and several European countries, was not aimed at peace but at further militarizing Ukraine and escalating the conflict.

She specifically objected to provisions calling for a multinational force and continuedmilitary support for Ukraine’s armed forces, warning that any foreign troops, military infrastructure or facilities on Ukrainian territory would be viewed by Moscow as direct foreign intervention.

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A senior government spokeswoman listens during a formal briefing inside a conference hall.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova attends the annual press conference held by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Jan.14, 2025, in Moscow.(Evgenia Novozhenina/Reuters)

“All such units and facilities will be considered as legitimate combat targets of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation,” Zakharova said.

“These warnings have been voiced more than once at the highest level and remain relevant.”

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Mondaythe U.K.and France signed a declaration of intent todeploy forces to Ukrainein the event of a peace deal, including establishing military hubs and facilities to store weapons and equipment after a ceasefire.

A Ukrainian service member launches a shoulder-fired anti-tank missile during a live-fire exercise.

A soldier fires a third-generation Javelin man-portable anti-tank missile system during a training session on Jan.7, 2026, in Ukraine.(Ukrinform/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

“It paves the way for the legal framework under which British, French and partner forces could operate on Ukrainian soil – securing Ukraine’s skies and seas – and regenerating Ukraine’s armed forces for the future,”Starmer told reportersat a press conference after the Coalition of the Willing meeting in Paris.

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“We also have agreed [on] significant further steps.First, that we will participate in U.S.-led monitoring and verification of any ceasefire.Second, we will support thelong-term provision of armamentsfor Ukraine’s defense.And third, we will work toward binding commitments to support Ukraine in the case of a future armed attack by Russia,” he added.

World leaders stand together at a podium during a joint announcement at a diplomatic summit.

Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, France’s President Emmanuel Macron, Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer, U.S.Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and U.S.businessman Jared Kushner speak at a press conference after signing a declaration at the Coalition of the Willing summit on Jan.6, 2026, in Paris.(Ludovic Marin/Pool via Reuters)

U.S.special envoy Steve Witkoff said on X that negotiators made significant progress on a bilateralsecurity guarantee frameworkand a prosperity plan for Ukraine, calling durable security guarantees essential to a lasting peace.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyyon Thursday said the document on security guarantees for Ukraine is essentially “ready for finalization at the highest level with the President of the United States.”

“Complex issues from the basic framework for ending the war were also addressed, and the Ukrainian side presented possible options for finalizing this document,” he added.“We understand that the American side will engage with Russia, and we expect feedback on whether the aggressor is genuinely willing to end the war.”