Moscow: Russia announced on Monday that any peacekeeping force deployed in Ukraine without a UN Security Council mandate would be considered "legitimate targets." Moscow's Permanent Representative to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya, stated in an interview with the Russian state news agency RIA that foreign military contingents sent to the combat zone would be viewed as ordinary combatants and legitimate military targets under international law.

According to Anadolu Agency, Nebenzya noted that the UN Secretariat has adopted a 'wait-and-see approach' toward Ukraine following the recent change in the US administration. He emphasized that the approach does not signify significant changes but reflects a general tendency to avoid provoking the US.

Nebenzya acknowledged that the UN possesses a "certain negotiating potential" for facilitating talks on Ukraine between Russia and the US. However, he cautioned that it is premature to discuss any concrete developments. He criticized the actions taken during former US President Joe Biden's administration, describing them as "impulsive and destructive," and suggested that there is a general sense of fatigue regarding those actions.

He further commented on the anticipation surrounding the new US administration, indicating that it is too soon to predict how the situation will unfold. Nebenzya also remarked on the uncertainty of Washington's future approach to the UN, pointing out that President Donald Trump had not been supportive of the organization during his first term.