Image Credits-NY Times
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov issued a stark warning to Western nations on Monday, saying that Moscow is prepared to fight NATO forces on the battlefield if they seek to intervene directly in the conflict in Ukraine.
“If the West wants to fight for Ukraine on the battlefield, Russia is prepared for it,” Lavrov was quoted as telling RIA Novosti, the state-run Russian news agency.
The blunt statement from Russia’s long-serving foreign minister came days after the Kremlin said sending NATO troops into Ukraine would be “extremely dangerous” and risk confrontation between Russian and NATO militaries. Moscow said it is closely monitoring a petition circulating in Ukraine calling for such an intervention by the Western military alliance.
Lavrov’s comments reflect the escalating rhetoric and rising stakes over the potential for NATO involvement nearly 15 months into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While NATO has provided military aid and intelligence to Kyiv, it has stopped short of putting troops on the ground due to concerns about triggering a wider war with Russia.
Ukraine has been pleading for more advanced weaponry and air support as it aims to blunt Russia’s offensive in the eastern Donbas region. Some in Kyiv have advocated for NATO peacekeepers or a temporary NATO-patrolled military administration in Ukrainian territory reclaimed from Russian forces.
However, Lavrov’s warning makes clear that any such moves would risk confrontation with Russian forces and potentially lead to an unprecedented clash between NATO and Russian militaries.
The West has steadfastly backed Ukraine but has been careful to avoid taking actions that could lead to open conflict with nuclear-armed Russia. Lavrov’s latest comments raise the risks even further amid suspicions that both Russia and Ukraine are preparing new offensives.