Moscow reiterates warning against targeting any foreign forces in Ukraine

Moscow, August 27 (KUNA) -- Russia reiterated today, Thursday, its warning that it will target any foreign forces that could hinder the “special military operation” in Ukraine, while affirming at the same time its continued openness to settlement negotiations and ongoing communications with the United States.

Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, said at a press briefing that plans by the so-called “coalition of the willing” to send a multinational force to Ukraine constitute, from Moscow’s perspective, a step toward increasing NATO’s direct involvement in the conflict. She added that the presence of any foreign forces obstructing Russian operations is “categorically unacceptable” and would be considered “legitimate” military targets.

Zakharova placed responsibility for any potential escalation on the Western countries supporting this initiative, accusing France, Germany, and Britain of “continuing to fuel the conflict and prolong the Ukrainian crisis.”

On the negotiation front, Zakharova affirmed that Russia remains open to continuing peace talks with Ukraine, noting that Russian-American expert-level communications on a settlement for the Ukrainian issue are ongoing. She stated that Moscow has no information regarding specific arrangements or dates for the next round of trilateral negotiations between Russia, the United States, and Ukraine, while confirming Russia’s readiness to hold talks with Washington on addressing what it describes as the “root causes” of the crisis and eliminating threats emanating from Ukrainian territory.

She added that Russia continues its “special military operation” but prefers to achieve its objectives through peaceful means, noting that Moscow does not require additional “military escalation” with Ukraine, as Russian forces are “advancing in any case.” (End) D.A.N / A.M.S