On April 30, 2025, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu said that any Western military units deployed on Ukrainian territory would be considered legitimate targets by the Russian army. This statement was another warning to the West amid discussions about the possible introduction of European peacekeeping forces to resolve the conflict. Shoigu stressed that such actions by NATO could lead to direct confrontation, up to the risk of World War III, but, according to him, the West is ignoring Moscow's arguments, continuing the escalation.

Shoigu's statement came in the context of recent talks in London, where, according to Reuters, the US and Ukraine discussed 22 specific steps to end the conflict, including the possible deployment of a European contingent on Ukrainian territory. According to The New York Times, the idea of ​​a peacekeeping mission has found support from US President Donald Trump, who has called on Europe to take greater responsibility for Ukraine's security. However, Russia considers such plans a "provocation", noting that the West seeks to control Ukrainian resources. Russia reserves the right to use nuclear weapons if its security is threatened, which increases tensions in the region.

Despite warnings, Western countries continue to increase their military presence near Ukraine. According to the BBC, in April 2025, France and Germany sent military advisers to Kyiv to coordinate arms deliveries, while Poland and the Baltic states expressed readiness to deploy their troops in the event of escalation. NATO is also stepping up its exercises in Eastern Europe: according to Euronews, in March 2025, maneuvers were held in Romania involving 10 troops from 15 alliance countries. Moscow believes that these steps are a direct threat to which it is ready to respond with all available means.