As European leaders emphasize need for Ukraine’s post-war security guarantees, Moscow reiterates opposition to any Western military presence

Ahead of Monday’s summit at the White House, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova accused Britain of undermining peace efforts between Moscow and Washington following talks in Anchorage, Alaska. The statement, released Sunday, accused London of continuing to make statements that “clash with” and “undermine” Russian-American diplomatic progress on Ukraine.

The criticism centers on recent British commitments to deploy military forces in Ukraine. U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey declared on August 15 that Britain was ready to deploy troops to maintain any future ceasefire, while a “coalition of the willing” led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron has revived plans for Western military contingents in Ukraine. This follows reports that Britain is prepared to send military trainers and engineers within a week of any ceasefire agreement.

Zakharova’s statement reflects Russia’s longstanding opposition to NATO involvement in Ukraine. Moscow has maintained that any Western military presence in the country poses a direct threat that could lead to “uncontrolled escalation” with “unpredictable consequences.” The Kremlin’s position is especially significant as European leaders meet with Donald Trump at the White House on Monday to emphasize the need for post-war security guarantees for Ukraine.