Baghdad:Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has asserted that Europeans will not participate at the negotiating table concerning Ukraine. This statement was made in response to the anticipated military exercises by the “Coalition of the Willing” forces.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Zakharova’s comments were published on the official Russian Foreign Ministry website. She stated that the initiation of the first military exercises by the “Multinational Forces for Ukraine” underscores the exclusion of Europeans from the negotiations.

The military exercises, led by Britain and France, are set to take place in Poland from November 9 to 22, involving approximately 2,800 military personnel from 11 countries. These exercises, named “Koalicja,” aim to assess the readiness of multinational forces, their coordination, and the logistics of personnel and equipment transport, supporting the Ukrainian armed forces post-conflict.

The British Ministry of Defence announced on November 3 that the exercises would include 300 British military personnel, Typhoon fighter jets, and an aerial refueling aircraft. Meanwhile, Turkish forces will conduct naval exercises in Istanbul, focusing on sea mine removal.

London has clarified that multinational forces will not enter Ukraine unless hostilities cease and the Ukrainian government requests their presence. They will not engage in peacekeeping or ceasefire monitoring tasks.

On November 5, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized that these maneuvers aim to prepare for potential security guarantees for Ukraine after a ceasefire, without indicating an imminent truce. Tusk reiterated that Poland would not deploy troops to Ukraine but would continue logistical support.

Moscow has firmly opposed the deployment of foreign troops in Ukraine, warning that any Western forces present would be considered legitimate military targets.