Russia has dismissed a peace agreement proposed for Ukraine and labeled British soldiers as legitimate military targets, escalating concerns of a potential major air strike on Kyiv. In response to a new US-European initiative offering security assurances to Ukraine upon reaching a ceasefire, the Kremlin condemned the proposal as foreign interference that could directly threaten Russian security.
Recently, Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed to establish military hubs in Ukraine to safeguard the nation from future invasions. However, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused the UK and its allies of further militarizing Ukraine, cautioning that any Western military presence in the country would be deemed legitimate targets by Russian forces.
Zakharova emphasized that plans by the 35-nation Coalition of the Willing, signatories of the January 6 accord, could lead to a destructive outcome for Europe. She insisted that achieving peace in Ukraine necessitates the country adopting a neutral stance, renouncing NATO aspirations, and relinquishing occupied territories. Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Kyiv issued a warning to its citizens regarding potential large-scale aerial assaults on the Ukrainian capital.
The embassy advised Americans to be vigilant and seek shelter promptly upon hearing air raid sirens. It underscored the need for preparedness in light of the heightened security situation.