Lavrov: Peacekeepers in Ukraine Are “Occupiers” and Legitimate Targets of Russian Military
According to the English section of webangah News Agency, citing Mehr News Agency and RT, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that any peacekeeping forces deployed in Ukraine would be considered “occupying forces” and legitimate targets for the Russian army.
Lavrov added that the US government understands the need to address the root causes of the war in Ukraine, including Kyiv’s potential NATO membership.
He also stated, “The Americans understand that residents of Crimea, Donbas, and Novorossiya will never accept being governed by Kyiv’s current administration.”
Lavrov emphasized that Washington is aware violations of human rights in Ukraine are unacceptable.
The Russian foreign minister criticized Europe and Kyiv for trying to pressure former US President Donald Trump to abandon his peace efforts and sabotage progress toward an agreement.
He reiterated that peacekeeping troops in Ukraine would effectively be “occupying forces” and legitimate military targets for Russia’s armed personnel.
Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that Western troops deployed to Ukraine would become lawful targets for Russia’s military operations.
ukrainian President volodymyr Zelensky had proposed deploying thousands of troops as part of a peacekeeping force following a possible ceasefire.
