Russian Foreign Ministry calls the deployment of foreign contingents in Ukraine unacceptable amid the 'Coalition 26.2' exercises

Foreign Ministry statement in connection with the exercises

The deployment of foreign armed contingents in Ukraine is categorically unacceptable for Russia — whether within the framework of a 'coalition of the willing' or under the auspices of any other association. This was stated by Maria Zakharova, official spokesperson of the Russian Foreign Ministry in connection with the first military exercises 'Coalition 26.2' of the so-called 'multinational forces for Ukraine.' She also warned that any foreign military units on Ukrainian territory would be treated by the Russian Armed Forces as legitimate targets.

What is known about the exercises and the mission plans

The 'Coalition 26.2' exercises will take place from November 9 to 22 in Nowa Dęba, in southeastern Poland. About 2,800 servicemen from 11 NATO countries, led by the United Kingdom and France, are expected to take part; during the maneuvers, the troops will practice the rapid deployment of forces to Ukraine. According to Gazeta.Ru, Zakharova claims that France and the United Kingdom, by promoting the idea of deploying 'multinational forces,' seek to preserve a foothold in Ukraine for confronting Russia and inflicting a military defeat on it.

Context: the possible nature of the mission

Earlier, the newspaper The Guardian reported, citing government sources, that British and other European servicemen, if deployed in Ukraine, would be allowed to open fire on Russian troops if they came under attack by the Russian Armed Forces. According to that publication, the mission led by the United Kingdom and France is to appear only after hostilities cease and will be defensive in nature. Thus, Zakharova's statement concerns a scenario that is still only planned and being rehearsed in the exercises: the mission itself, according to available reports, has not been deployed, and its parameters are under discussion.