Moscow: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has declared the deployment of European forces in Ukraine as a direct involvement of NATO in the ongoing war with Russia. During a press conference, Lavrov criticized recent statements by French President Emmanuel Macron regarding the protection of Europe under France’s nuclear umbrella, warning that such actions pose a significant threat to Russia.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Lavrov emphasized that the presence of European forces in Ukraine marks a shift from what might be considered a hybrid intervention to an unmistakable and official participation of NATO countries in the conflict against Russia. He stated, “We will not categorically adhere to such measures,” highlighting that this move by European countries is a clear indication of their intentions, which cannot be tolerated by Russia.

Earlier in the day, French President Emmanuel Macron had announced his plans to initiate a “strategic discussion” concerning the protection of Europe, leveraging the French nuclear umbrella. Lavrov’s comments reflect Russia’s strong opposition to this strategic move and its potential implications for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.