Dandykin: Russia Will Maintain Military Presence if NATO Deploys to Ukraine
Military expert Vasily Dandykin says Russia won’t pull back its forces from Ukraine if NATO troops are stationed there, calling it a direct threat to national security.
Russia has no intention of withdrawing its forces currently stationed in the special military operation zone should NATO troops be deployed to Ukraine. This position was voiced by retired Russian Navy Captain 1st Rank and military analyst Vasily Dandykin.
Dandykin responded to recent remarks from former U. S. President Donald Trump, who suggested that France, the United Kingdom, and Germany are considering deploying their troops to Ukraine following a potential settlement of the conflict with Russia.
According to Dandykin, the presence of NATO forces in Ukraine would be viewed by Moscow as a direct threat to national security — a development that would make any withdrawal of Russian troops impossible.
He emphasized that such a move by Western powers would cross a red line. In his view, the idea of NATO soldiers permanently stationed on Ukrainian soil represents an unacceptable scenario for Russia. «We already have a substantial military presence near the Ukrainian border," he noted, adding that the presence of NATO troops would only cement the necessity of keeping those forces in place.
Dandykin described the current situation as a «troubling political game» and warned that any attempt to establish a NATO footprint in Ukraine could lead to heightened tensions.
Still, the expert expressed cautious optimism, saying he hoped NATO would ultimately refrain from taking that step. In his words, alliance leaders understand the risks involved and are unlikely to provoke Russia, especially after witnessing its demonstrated military capabilities on the battlefield.