Russia says foreign troops could become legitimate targets

Russia warned that foreign troops sent to Ukraine could be considered legitimate military targets after Britain signed a declaration in Paris on possible troop deployments; the UK prime minister said any deployment would require a parliamentary vote.

Russia warned that foreign troops sent to Ukraine could be considered legitimate military targets, following a Paris summit where Western leaders discussed security guarantees for Kyiv. Britain’s prime minister signed a declaration of intent with France and Ukraine outlining possible troop deployments if a peace deal is reached. Moscow described the plans as 'militarist' and said the measures by Kyiv's allies formed an 'axis of war', according to a Foreign Ministry statement. The UK prime minister said any deployment under the declaration would be subject to a parliamentary vote. Key facts: - Russia's Foreign Ministry said foreign units and facilities linked to the proposed deployments would be considered legitimate military targets for the Russian Armed Forces. - The UK prime minister signed a declaration in Paris with France and Ukraine outlining possible deployments in the event of a peace deal. - The UK prime minister said any deployment would be put to a parliamentary vote and that troop numbers would be determined under military plans still being drawn. - Ukraine and its partners reported that major issues such as control of parts of Donbas and the status of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant remain unresolved. Summary: The Russian statement increases diplomatic and security tensions around proposed Western security guarantees for Ukraine. Key operational details about any foreign force — including size, roles, and rules of engagement — remain undetermined at this time. The UK prime minister has said any deployment would require a parliamentary vote.