Kremlin Warns Risk Of Russia's Direct Conflict With NATO If West Sends Troops To Ukraine

Dmitry Peskov. (Wikimedia Commons/men's

JAKARTA - The Kremlin warns of the risk of direct conflict between Russia and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) military alliance, if the West sends troops to help Ukraine.

"The fact of discussing the possible delivery of certain contingents to Ukraine from NATO countries is a very important new element," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

When asked by reporters about the risks if NATO members send their troops to war in Ukraine, Peskov said:

"In this case, we need to talk not about the possibility, but about the necessity (direct conflict)," he said.

Peskov further said the West should ask themselves whether such a scenario is in the interests of their country and people.

The Kremlin's statement follows a statement made by French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday that the West did not rule out sending troops to Ukraine, although there has been no consensus on this matter.

However, President Macron said Western countries plan to do whatever it takes to prevent Russia from winning the conflict.

President Macron's statement was delivered after hosting a meeting at the Elysee Palace on February 26, which was attended by representatives from 27 EU member states including 21 heads of state and government.