🎙 Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova’s answer to a media question on the first military exercises of the so-called “Multinational Force-Ukraine” under the auspices of the “coalition of the willing” (November 7, 2026) ❓ Question: Several European countries have announced that the so-called “Multinational Force-Ukraine” will hold military exercises (Koalicja 26.2) on November 9–22. The formation of the force was announced following a meeting of the “coalition of the willing” in Kiev on August 24, 2026. The aim of the exercises is to prepare for the deployment of a foreign military contingent to Ukraine after hostilities end. How would you comment on this? 💬 Maria Zakharova: It is perfectly clear that the West remains unwilling to take Russia’s legitimate security concerns into account and continues to fuel the spiral of escalation. By deploying a “multinational force” in Ukraine, London and Paris hope to retain a foothold from which to confront Russia and inflict a military defeat on our country. ❗️ We reiterate that the deployment of foreign military contingents in Ukraine is categorically unacceptable, whether under the auspices of the so-called “coalition of the willing” or any other grouping. Such a deployment would amount to de facto military intervention and would deliberately create additional threats to Russia’s security. In effect, this would draw NATO’s European members deeper into the conflict and further escalate it. Russia's Armed Forces regard any military units in Ukraine as legitimate targets, with all the attendant risks and consequences. ☝️ It should be clear that full responsibility for this escalation will rest with those who keep devising new military ventures against Russia in a futile attempt to inflict a “strategic defeat” on our country. These plans will prove futile. We will achieve all the objectives and fulfil all the tasks set by the Russian leadership for the special military operation. It is also telling that these exercises are scheduled to begin on the eve of the next round of consultations in Abu Dhabi, where Russia, the US and Ukraine will resume talks on settling the conflict. 👉 This confirms once again that the Europeans have no place at the negotiating table.