Russia warns of nuclear clash over Western troop deployment in Ukraine

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova cautioned on Wednesday that the deployment of Western troops in Ukraine would result in a direct confrontation between nuclear powers, an outcome she warned could have severe global consequences.

Zakharova’s comments came during a press briefing in Moscow, where she addressed recent remarks by French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu, who suggested the possibility of deploying non-nuclear “deterrence forces” in Ukraine.

“He [Lecornu] is not the only representative of the West who is trying to ‘flirt’ with the idea of sending foreign troops to Ukraine,” Zakharova said. “The practical implementation of this idea, you know what it will lead to. I can repeat for those who may have forgotten: It will lead to a direct clash of nuclear powers with catastrophic consequences.”

Her warning is the latest in a series of escalatory rhetoric from Moscow, as Western nations continue to provide military and financial aid to Ukraine in its defense against Russian forces. The notion of NATO troops being stationed on Ukrainian soil remains a particularly sensitive issue for Russia, which sees such a move as a direct threat to its security.

Lecornu’s comments, made on Monday in response to a proposal by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, highlighted growing discussions among NATO allies about the potential deployment of international forces in Ukraine. Zelenskyy has previously called for NATO troops to help defend his country, but so far, no such deployment has materialized.

Lecornu noted that it was crucial for the alliance to “consider such a possibility,” a stance that appears to have provoked strong reactions from Moscow. While Western leaders have consistently ruled out direct military involvement in the conflict, concerns about a potential broader escalation continue to simmer.