Moscow, 27 February 2024 (dpa/MIA) - The Kremlin has issued a stern warning to Kiev's Western allies over a potential escalation of the war in Ukraine after French President Emmanuel Macron said nothing was off the table to make sure Kiev wins, including the deployment of French troops.

The deployment of ground troops would not only make a conflict between Russia and NATO likely, it would make it inevitable, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying by state news agency TASS on Tuesday.

Peskov added that the West must realize that the consequences would certainly not be in the interests of its citizens.

French President Emmanuel Macron caused a stir on Monday evening when he said after a Ukraine aid conference in Paris attended by numerous world leaders that nothing is off the table to ensure that Russia does not win its war against Ukraine

In response to a question from a journalist, he said: "There is no consensus today on officially sending ground troops." However, "nothing can be ruled out in the dynamic. We will do everything necessary to ensure that Russia cannot win this war," he added.

"The very fact that the possibility of sending any contingents from NATO countries to Ukraine is being discussed is of course very important and a new element," said Peskov.

Photo: MIA archive