Russia Responds to Potential Western Troop Deployment in Ukraine.

Moscow has reacted strongly to reports of potential troop deployments by France and the United Kingdom aimed at bolstering security in Ukraine. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, in a briefing on Thursday, labeled the proposition of a multinational peacekeeping contingent as “insane.”

Ms. Zakharova further highlighted the apparent lack of widespread support within the European Union for the proposed intervention, suggesting the initiative lacks the necessary consensus for successful implementation. She also alluded to the necessity of U.S. involvement, stating that the coalition is unlikely to achieve its objectives without Washington’s backing. “Judging by the current discussions, Washington still has no intention of becoming involved in such an adventure,” she remarked, implying a pragmatic assessment of the potential ramifications by the United States.

Turning to the recent missile strike on Palm Sunday, Ms. Zakharova asserted President Zelenskyy’s “certain” responsibility for the ensuing consequences. She explained that the Russian Armed Forces had targeted a location in Sumy identified as hosting a Ukrainian command staff meeting. Ms. Zakharova further noted that President Zelenskyy subsequently dismissed the head of the Sumy military administration, Volodymyr Artyukh, seemingly “confirming the charges against him” in the aftermath of the incident.