French President Emmanuel Macron speaks during a press conference at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Feb 26, 2024. (PHOTO / AP)

MOSCOW - Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko criticized French President Emmanuel Macron's remarks about the potential deployment of French troops to Ukraine as unacceptable, especially amid the tense military-political situation in Europe, local media reported on Thursday.

"The Russian Foreign Ministry has repeatedly commented on the French president's recent statements about the possible dispatch of military personnel from alliance member countries to the combat zone. I repeat that these ideas were immediately disavowed at NATO headquarters in Brussels, and in Washington, and in most other capitals of the bloc," Russia's RIA Novosti news agency quoted Grushko as saying.

Russia's deputy foreign minister pointed out that the NATO chief had stressed that the alliance was not at war with Russia 

"These statements indicate a readiness to follow the path of escalation in conditions when the West itself is suffering a strategic defeat on the ground. Such bragging, no matter what foreign or domestic political goals they pursue, are unacceptable for responsible politicians, especially in the context of the already tense military-political situation in Europe," Grushko said.

Grushko also highlighted that NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has repeatedly stated that the alliance is not at war with Russia and is not a party to the conflict surrounding Ukraine.

In February, French President Emmanuel Macron announced the European Union's plan for a new coalition to supply Ukraine with long-range missiles and discussed, without consensus, the potential deployment of troops, saying that all options are being considered.  

On Wednesday, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and his French counterpart Sebastien Lecornu discussed Ukraine peace negotiations and the recent terrorist attack in Moscow in a telephone conversation.

In the conversation, Lecornu expressed his condolences to Shoigu for the terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall concert venue in late March, which left a total of 144 people dead, according to a statement from the Russian Defense Ministry.

The French defense minister also tried to convince Shoigu that Ukraine and Western countries were not involved in the attack.

Shoigu emphasized that the ongoing investigation into the terrorist attack would be thorough to ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable.

The two defense chiefs also talked about the readiness for dialogue on the Ukraine conflict, according to the statement.