Putin Warns Western Troops In Ukraine Legitimate Targets

Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stark warning that any Western troops deployed to Ukraine would be considered legitimate targets by the Russian military, emphasizing that their presence amid ongoing hostilities poses a direct threat to Russia's security. This statement came shortly after Kyiv's Western allies, including France and the U.K., pledged to station troops in Ukraine as part of security guarantees in the event of a ceasefire or peace agreement, aiming to bolster Ukraine's defense without granting NATO membership. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov underscored that foreign military contingents on Ukrainian soil would not ensure Kyiv's security and highlighted Moscow's view of NATO forces near its borders as a threat. Putin also expressed readiness to respect security guarantees for both Russia and Ukraine once a lasting peace is achieved, noting that foreign troops would no longer be necessary under such conditions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders have been actively discussing mechanisms to prevent renewed Russian aggression, with over 26 countries prepared to offer military support, although U.S. President Donald Trump has ruled out sending ground troops, limiting support to air assistance. The ongoing dialogue reflects deep tensions over security arrangements and the future role of foreign forces in Ukraine amid efforts to negotiate peace.