NATO ‘peacekeepers’ in Ukraine mean war – Medvedev

The potential deployment of “peacekeepers” from NATO countries to Ukraine could provoke a full-scale conflict between the military alliance and Moscow, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has cautioned.

Recently, discussions regarding such a mission have intensified among the leaders of the UK and France.

In a post on X this past Sunday, Medvedev, who is currently the deputy chair of Russia’s Security Council, accused French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer of feigning ignorance.

“They have been repeatedly informed that peacekeepers should come from non-NATO nations. Instead, they insist on sending tens of thousands of troops—let’s be clear—you wish to provide military assistance to the neo-Nazis in Kiev,” Medvedev asserted.

“This would mean war with NATO. Consult with [US President Donald] Trump, you scoundrels,” he added.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has previously stated that the presence of NATO troops in Ukraine, even under the pretext of peacekeeping, would represent the “direct, official, and overt involvement of NATO countries in the conflict against Russia.”

Earlier this month, Starmer declared that the UK and France were prepared to spearhead a “coalition of the willing” to offer military assistance to Kiev, which includes the deployment of troops and aircraft. Following an emergency summit in London, he remarked that “not every nation will feel able to contribute, but that cannot mean we remain passive. Instead, those willing will urgently ramp up planning.”

“The UK is ready to support this with ground troops and air support, alongside others,” Starmer further emphasized.

Macron stated that Western forces would only be deployed to Ukraine when the conditions on the ground are deemed safe for their presence.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who participated in the meeting alongside other leaders, emphasized that the deployment of Italian troops to Ukraine has never been part of the discussion.

In contrast, former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau mentioned that Ottawa is exploring all available options and has not dismissed the possibility of sending troops to Ukraine.

Earlier this month, Starmer reiterated his willingness to send British military personnel to the conflict area, noting that this would depend on obtaining support from the United States.

On Monday, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen informed DR radio that Denmark is, in principle, prepared to contribute if a European presence becomes necessary for achieving a ceasefire or peace agreement.

Regarding the potential arrival of NATO troops in Ukraine, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov remarked last month that such a scenario would be “completely unacceptable” to Russia, highlighting the implications it would have for the country’s national security.