Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday that any deployment of British troops to Ukraine would not end the conflict but would instead prolong it.

Her remarks came after France and Britain signed a declaration of intent in January regarding the possible future deployment of multinational forces to Ukraine following a ceasefire in the war with Russia.

Zakharova reiterated Moscow’s warning that it would consider any foreign troops on Ukrainian territory as legitimate targets.

There was no immediate comment from Britain on the statement.