Russia’s Lavrov warns EU troops in Ukraine a “legitimate target”
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov issued on Sunday a forceful warning, asserting that European military forces stationed on Ukrainian soil would be considered a “legitimate target” for Russia.
Lavrov accused European leaders of acting out of “ambition” in their support for Kyiv while ignoring the interests of their own populations and people in Ukraine.
Speaking in Moscow, Lavrov reiterated that any deployment of European troops or peacekeepers to Ukrainian territory would be “unacceptable” and could escalate the conflict further, framing such moves as direct involvement in hostilities. The Russian foreign minister also claimed that most European capitals have been “pumping Kyiv with money and weapons,” hoping to weaken the Russian economy with sanctions.
Lavrov’s remarks come against the backdrop of one of the most intense phases of the nearly four-year war. On the ground, Russian forces have continued to launch heavy missile and drone attacks, including a major assault on Kyiv’s energy infrastructure that killed at least one person and injured dozens, according to Ukrainian authorities.
The strikes occurred just days before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s scheduled talks with U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida on new peace proposals.
At the same time, night raids and drone swarms have targeted critical infrastructure across Ukraine, compounding civilian hardship during winter.
Poland announced plans for a €2 billion anti-drone defense system along its eastern border, reflecting wider European concern about spill-over threats from the conflict.
European leaders are debating deeper involvement in Ukraine’s defense, including proposals for multinational security guarantees and expanded military support.
Talks also resumed on a proposed 20-point peace plan backed by the United States and Ukraine, though Russia has so far signaled reluctance to engage directly in negotiations without assurances of its security interests.
Analysts say Lavrov’s latest warning underscores Moscow’s broader strategy of deterring Western military involvement while maintaining pressure on Ukrainian infrastructure and frontline cities, even as diplomatic efforts continue amid escalating risks.