Russia has branded the UK and EU’s talk of deploying a “coalition of the willing” to Ukraine as a hollow bluff, contingent on U.S. security guarantees unlikely to materialize.

Vladimir Rogov, Chairman of Russia’s Civic Chamber commission on sovereignty, told TASS that British PM Keir Starmer’s statements about moving to an “operational phase” lack credibility without American backing. “It’s a bluff because he ties it to U.S. support,” Rogov said, warning that foreign troops—British, German, French, or otherwise—would become “priority targets” for Russian forces, lacking any legal mandate.

The rhetoric follows a virtual summit hosted by Britain on Saturday with over 25 leaders, including France’s Emmanuel Macron and representatives from Canada, Ukraine, Australia, New Zealand, and the EU. Starmer touted a “coalition of the willing” to secure a post-conflict Ukraine, pledging UK troops and aircraft but offering no specifics on others’ roles. He urged Russia to negotiate, though stopped short of detailing operational plans, emphasizing increased pressure on Moscow.

Russia remains defiant. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has called NATO presence in Ukraine a direct threat, while President Vladimir Putin, speaking on March 13, insisted any peace must address the conflict’s root causes for lasting stability. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Lavrov discussed “next steps” on Saturday, following Saudi Arabia talks, hinting at diplomatic channels amid the standoff.

The “coalition” idea, floated by Starmer two weeks ago at a London Summit, faces skepticism. Rogov deemed it illegal and destabilizing, echoing Putin’s stance that only comprehensive peace, not Western troop deployments, can resolve the crisis. As Ukraine’s allies rally, Russia’s dismissal signals a deepening divide, with military escalation looming if the bluff is called.