Russia warns UK troop deployment in Ukraine would prolong, not end, war
Russia’s Response to UK–Ukraine Troop Plans
MOSCOW, Feb 26 (Reuters) - Russia's foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday that any deployment of British troops in Ukraine would prolong the war, not end it.
UK and France Post-Ceasefire Commitment
France and Britain have said they intend to send troops to Ukraine once a ceasefire in the war with Russia is reached.
Healey’s Rationale for Deployment
British Defence Minister John Healey wrote in a weekend newspaper article: "I want to be the defence secretary who deploys British troops to Ukraine – because this will mean that this war is finally over."
Zakharova’s Rebuttal
Zakharova told reporters: "Contrary to Healey's misconception, the deployment of British troops to Ukraine will not mean the end of the war, but rather a prolongation of the conflict and an increase in the risk of a large-scale military confrontation involving many more states."
Warning on Foreign Troops as Targets
She repeated a warning by Russia that it would see any foreign troops in Ukraine as legitimate targets.
Reporting and Editing Credits
(Reporting by Dmitry Antonov; Writing by Anastasia Teterevleva; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)
