Malta: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov today accused Western countries of ignoring the Kremlin’s warnings about the dangers of sending troops to support Ukraine. Speaking after the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe summit in Malta, Lavrov, on his first visit to an EU country since Russia’s military operation in Ukraine began in February 2022, said that discussions about deploying ground troops show that the West is not listening to Moscows concerns. He added that these illusions only exacerbate the situation, revealing that those promoting such ideas prefer to ignore the clear warnings that President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly issued.
According to Qatar News Agency, in recent days, several European officials have revealed their positions on Western support for Kyiv. Jean-Noel Barrot, France’s foreign minister in the resigned government, said there were no “red lines” in Frances support for Ukraine, even suggesting the possibility of “deploying French soldiers on the battlefield.”
Meanwhile, Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz said on Wednesday that it is still too early and “inappropriate” to discuss whether Berlin would send troops as part of a potential peacekeeping force in Ukraine.
Speculation is growing about the possible deployment of Western forces, likely as part of a peacekeeping mission, if a ceasefire is reached in Ukraine, as the war continues to escalate after nearly three years.