Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has issued a stern warning regarding the potential deployment of NATO peacekeeping forces in Ukraine, cautioning that it could escalate into a direct military confrontation between Russia and NATO. Speaking to students at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, Lavrov highlighted Poland’s recent proposal for a NATO-backed peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. He underscored that such an initiative, if pursued, would cross a dangerous threshold, leading to the direct involvement of NATO forces—a scenario that global leaders have long sought to avoid.

Poland has been actively advocating for the creation of an international peacekeeping mission, equipped with protective measures, to stabilize Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict. However, the proposal faces significant hurdles. While Poland’s Ministry of Defense is working on drafting a detailed plan, the final decision rests heavily on the approval of U.S. President Joe Biden. Polish President Andrzej Duda has indicated he may reject the initiative if it does not receive explicit backing from the United States.

Prior to the extraordinary NATO summit scheduled for Thursday, the Polish government aims to present its proposal to the White House for consideration. The move has sparked intense debate, with critics warning of the broader implications for European security and the possibility of triggering wider conflict. Lavrov’s remarks suggest that Moscow views the proposal as a provocative step, which could undermine efforts to avoid direct military engagement between Russia and NATO.