According to media reports from Russia's Sputnik news agency, on August 18 local time, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that any plan for NATO countries to deploy troops in Ukraine is absolutely unacceptable, which would lead to a sharp escalation of the situation.
In response to Western countries' statements about the possibility of sending NATO military task forces, the Russian Foreign Ministry commented: "We have repeatedly expressed our position, that we firmly oppose any scenario involving the deployment of NATO military task forces in Ukraine, which could lead to an uncontrolled escalation of the conflict and cause unforeseen consequences."
The Russian Foreign Ministry stated: "In the context of the genuine desire of Russian and U.S. leaders to comprehensively, fairly, and sustainably resolve the Ukraine conflict, including eliminating its root causes, the UK's relevant statements are not consistent with the efforts of Russia and the United States, and obviously aim to undermine the efforts of Russia and the United States."
The Russian Foreign Ministry said that the possible deployment of NATO task forces by the UK and other European countries in Ukraine is "inciting the continuation of the conflict."
Earlier this year, Macron and UK Prime Minister Starmer had proposed the deployment of European security forces in Ukraine after a ceasefire, but the proposal did not receive support from the United States.
On August 18 local time, a spokesperson for Starmer stated that the UK government's support for Ukraine joining NATO "has not changed."
"Ukraine has taken an irreversible path. Russia cannot veto the process of Ukraine joining NATO. Our focus is on a just and lasting peace for Ukraine, and we welcome President Trump's efforts to achieve this goal," the spokesperson said.
That day, US President Trump met with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and European leaders such as France, Germany, and Italy at the White House to discuss how to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Trump revealed that he will next start preparing for a trilateral meeting between the leaders of the United States, Russia, and Ukraine, and will discuss the ceasefire and territorial issues in the tripartite talks. Before the meeting, Trump said that Zelenskyy would not be able to reclaim Crimea and could not join NATO.
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