Putin threatens Western forces with ‘defeat’ if deployed to Ukraine
Russian President Putin Warns Western Troops in Ukraine Could Be “Legitimate Targets”
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Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a stark warning on Friday, stating that any Western military personnel deployed to Ukraine would be considered “legitimate targets for defeat.” Putin’s comments come amidst discussions about potential international peacekeeping missions once a cease-fire is established.
During an economic forum in Russia’s Far East, Putin emphasized the dangers of involving Ukraine in NATO. “If any troops appear there, especially during the ongoing hostilities, we assume they will be legitimate targets for defeat,” he stated.
These remarks followed indications from European and allied nations supporting a coordinated postwar mission. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced in Paris that 26 countries had pledged security guarantees for Kyiv, which could involve military contributions by air, sea, and land once the fighting ends.
Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Friday that Western military personnel deployed to Ukraine would become “legitimate targets for defeat,” raising fresh threats against the idea of international peacekeepers once a cease-fire is reached. (Contributor/Getty Images)
Putin argued that the presence of foreign soldiers would complicate potential political settlements between Moscow and Kyiv. “If decisions are reached that lead to long-term peace, then I simply see no reason for their presence on Ukrainian territory,” he asserted.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov echoed Putin’s concerns about NATO’s influence, framing Western guarantees for Ukraine as encroaching on Russia’s security interests. “What was one of the root causes of this conflict? It was when the foundations of security guarantees for our country began to be eroded, when Ukraine was being drawn into NATO,” Peskov stated.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that 26 countries had committed to security guarantees for Kyiv, pledges that could involve military contributions “in the sky, in the sea and on the ground.” (Danylo Antoniuk/Anadolu Via Getty Images)
Putin’s statements came after a week of diplomatic engagements, including discussions with Chinese and North Korean leaders. He revealed that President Trump had requested direct talks between Putin and Zelenskyy to end the conflict.
“Donald asked me if it was possible to hold such a meeting. I said yes, it is possible. In the end, if Zelensky is ready, let him come to Moscow. Such a meeting will take place,” Putin disclosed.
Ukrainian servicemen of the 44th artillery brigade fire a 2s22 Bohdana self-propelled howitzer towards Russian positions at the frontline in the Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine, as peace talks drag on. (Danylo Antoniuk/AP Photo)
Zelenskyy, however, rejected the invitation to Moscow, accusing Russia of attempting to stall negotiations. “Our American partners told me that Putin had invited me to Moscow. In my opinion, if someone wants the meeting to not take place, they should invite me to Moscow,” Zelenskyy remarked.
Ukraine’s foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, emphasized Kyiv’s readiness for talks but insisted on neutral ground for discussions. “Right now, at least seven countries are ready to host a meeting between the leaders of Ukraine and Russia to bring an end to the war,” he stated.
