Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stark warning to Western nations, declaring that any foreign troops deployed to Ukraine will be treated as “legitimate targets” by Moscow’s forces.
The statement came on Friday during an economic forum in Vladivostok, a day after Kyiv’s allies pledged to commit troops in support of a future peace deal.
Western Pledge Sparks Russian Fury
On Thursday, 26 countries — led by France and the United Kingdom — announced plans to form a “reassurance force” on land, sea, and air to ensure stability in Ukraine if a peace agreement is reached.
French President Emmanuel Macron, standing alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, said the move was the first serious step toward preventing renewed aggression. Zelensky hailed the decision as a “historic breakthrough.”
The force, according to Macron, would not be deployed directly on the front lines but would serve as a deterrent against any new Russian offensive.
Putin’s Hardline Response
“If some troops appear there, especially now during the fighting, we proceed from the premise that they will be legitimate targets,” Putin said.
The Russian leader argued that foreign troop deployments would undermine peace efforts, calling Ukraine’s growing military cooperation with the West one of the “root causes” of the war.
Putin, however, suggested that if a peace deal were reached, the presence of such troops would be unnecessary. “If decisions are reached that will lead to long-term peace, then I simply don’t see the point in their presence,” he added.
A Bloody War with No End in Sight
The war, now dragging into its fourth year, has already claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions, making it Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II.
Despite several attempts at diplomacy, including initiatives pushed by the United States, the two sides remain deeply divided. Moscow continues to demand Ukrainian concessions, including territorial losses and the renunciation of Western backing — terms Kyiv has rejected as unacceptable.
Ukraine and its allies argue that Russia’s repeated violations of past agreements, including the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, prove that only firm security guarantees can prevent further aggression.
Divided Allies, Uncertain Future
While France and the UK have taken the lead, questions remain about the role of other nations. Germany, for instance, has been cautious, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz calling for pressure but holding back on large-scale troop commitments.
Meanwhile, U.S. involvement is still unclear, leaving uncertainties about the true scale of the proposed force.
As Russia continues to push offensives in eastern and southern Ukraine, fears are growing that peace talks may only serve as a smokescreen while Moscow seeks to capture more territory.
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