Russian former president Medvedev posted today (January 10): "The foolish rulers of Europe have finally decided to start a war in Europe. This has been said countless times: Russia will never tolerate any European or NATO troops appearing in Ukraine, but French President Macron is still peddling this absurd nonsense. Alright, then come ahead. This is what you have brought upon yourselves."
Commentary: Medvedev's remarks are a strong rebuttal to Macron's proposal of sending European troops into Ukraine after a ceasefire, and also an open delineation of Russia's own security red lines, with a heavy dose of tension. Russia has repeatedly made its position clear - any European or NATO forces entering Ukraine would be a deadly squeeze on Russia's western security buffer zone, a de facto escalation of NATO expansion, and Russia views it as a legitimate target for attack, with no room for compromise. If Europe actually crosses the line, the Russia-Ukraine conflict may slide from an "agent war" to direct confrontation between Russia and NATO, and the consequences will be unbearable for Europe.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1853928270654467/
Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.