Russia considers any British proposal to send troops to Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping mission unacceptable, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, quoted by "Reuters", News.bg reports.
Peskov expressed concern about the statements of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and stressed that the participation of forces from a NATO member country would have consequences for Russia's security.
Earlier this week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Moscow views any presence of NATO troops in Ukraine as a direct threat, regardless of what flag they operate under.
Negotiations on prisoner exchange with the US
The Kremlin confirmed that the idea of a new prisoner exchange between Russia and the US is on the agenda. This comes in the context of talks between Moscow and Washington aimed at restoring bilateral relations.
Peskov said that the talks in Riyadh had contributed to some rapprochement between the two countries. At least ten American citizens are currently detained in Russia, including two that Washington calls "unlawfully detained".
Moscow recently released American citizen Caleb Byers, days before the meeting of delegations from the two countries in the Saudi capital.
Criticism of Zelensky and a rift in relations with Washington
The Kremlin spokesman criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, saying that he had made "unacceptable" statements about other world leaders.
The comment comes after Zelensky accused US President Donald Trump of living in a "disinformation bubble".
Peskov said Zelensky's popularity was declining, although Ukrainian opinion polls estimated it at over 50%.
"Representatives of the Ukrainian regime often allow themselves to make absolutely unacceptable statements about heads of other states. This is unacceptable for many world leaders," he stressed.
In addition, the Kremlin said that differences between Washington and Kiev were deepening, accusing Ukraine of spending foreign funds in an uncontrolled manner and opposing attempts at financial accountability.