MOSCOW — Russia has issued a stark warning to Western allies, declaring that the presence of European troops in Ukraine would be “absolutely unacceptable.”

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, speaking at a press conference in Moscow, cautioned European leaders against moving forward with such plans as Kyiv’s allies discuss new security guarantees for Ukraine.

“I hope strongly that those who are entertaining such plans understand what the consequences will be,” Lavrov said.

The statement highlights mounting tensions between Moscow and European capitals as the war in Ukraine grinds on. Western nations have so far avoided deploying combat forces on Ukrainian soil, instead supplying weapons, training, and financial support.

Lavrov’s remarks underscore Russia’s long-standing position that direct NATO or European military involvement would cross a dangerous red line, potentially escalating the conflict further.