Russia is prepared to launch a devastating missile strike should Europe — including the United Kingdom — decide to deploy troops to Ukraine. The warning came from military analyst Yevgeny Mikhailov.

His remarks followed a statement by British Defence Secretary John Healey, who said that a so-called «coalition of the willing» was ready to send its forces into Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire. Western media have also reported that the British military intends to take an active role in the conflict or in peacekeeping missions, making use of its full range of capabilities.

Mikhailov cautioned that any attempt by Britain or the European Union to introduce troops without coordination with Moscow would be regarded as a direct act of war against Russia. He emphasized that such a move would trigger an immediate missile response.

The expert added that Russia could potentially agree to the presence of Chinese and Indian troops serving as observers along the line of contact-but only after Moscow establishes full control over what it considers its own territories.