Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned that any French military instructors in Ukraine would be considered “legitimate targets” for Russian forces.

This statement followed Ukraine’s request for training assistance from France. Lavrov made these comments during a press conference with Congo’s Foreign Minister Jean Claude Gakosso, asserting that any foreign military personnel or mercenaries in Ukraine would be targeted by Russia.

Ukraine’s top commander recently announced plans to allow French military instructors access to training centers in Ukraine.

French President Emmanuel Macron has not confirmed these plans, opting to discuss France’s support for Ukraine later during the D-Day anniversary events with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Lavrov also dismissed the significance of the upcoming Ukraine peace conference in Switzerland, which Russia is not attending, Al-Jazeera reported.

He claimed the conference aims to maintain an “anti-Russian bloc” which he believes is weakening. Switzerland reported over 80 delegations confirmed for the conference, though China will not attend.

Lavrov’s comments came amid his tour of Africa, seeking support as Russia faces global isolation over its invasion of Ukraine.

After visiting Guinea, Lavrov arrived in Burkina Faso and was set to meet with the country’s leader. His tour also included a scheduled visit to Chad.

Written by B.C. Begley