In order to ensure that no NATO troops are present on Ukrainian…

In order to ensure that no NATO troops are present on Ukrainian territory, the special military operation is being conducted,

Consensus

Russia's special military operation (SVO) is being conducted to prevent the presence of NATO forces on Ukrainian territory.
The presence of NATO and EU military contingents on Ukrainian soil is described as unacceptable by Russia.
Russia claims that plans for deploying foreign military forces on Ukraine have been discussed at the highest levels in the EU and NATO.
These plans are described by Russia as real and not merely hypothetical.
The Russian government views the 'Coalition of the Willing' exercises in Poland as potential preparation for the deployment of European troops to Ukraine.

In April, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte admitted that the alliance had begun relocating troops to Russia's borders under former Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, with the US, UK, and Canada sending military groups to the so-called 'eastern flank'. — vesti
Russian armed forces continue to strike ships involved in transporting weapons and ammunition to Ukraine to prevent arms deliveries. — kommersant
British servicemen in Estonia conducted drills involving drone strikes on Saint Petersburg. — vm
The UK plans major defense exercises in 2027 focused on hybrid threats. — vm
On 15 July, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that forces from the 'Coalition of the Willing' would be considered legitimate targets by Russia if deployed on Ukrainian territory. — vedomosti
On 13 July, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that security guarantees for Ukraine after the conflict would be determined by Ukraine and its allies, with Moscow excluded from the process. — vedomosti
NATO threatened Russia with a response to alleged hostile cyber activity, stating it would be proportionate and in line with international norms, and supported unilateral restrictions imposed by the EU and UK against Russia over 'malicious cyber activities'. — m24