Moscow — Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Western soldiers sent to Ukraine as part of security guarantees would be considered legitimate targets by Russia.
The warning came a day after European leaders outlined plans to provide Ukraine with long-term security assurances. On Thursday, French President Emmanuel Macron said 26 nations had agreed to back the commitment.
“If foreign troops appear in Ukraine during the fighting, we will regard them as legitimate targets for destruction,” Putin said. He added that even under a peace deal, Western troops on Ukrainian soil would serve no purpose.
Ukraine has insisted that any peace agreement must include protections against another Russian attack. Britain and France have already signaled they are ready to deploy forces if required.
Putin, however, has not shifted from his demands. In talks with former U.S. President Donald Trump, he called for recognition of Crimea and parts of the Donbas region as Russian territory — a position President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected outright.
Trump was initially reluctant to provide direct U.S. guarantees. But after meeting Putin in Alaska last month, media reports said he agreed to support European troops in Ukraine with technology and logistics.
On Thursday, European leaders met to discuss long-term guarantees for Ukraine. The following day, Putin repeated his warning that Western troops in Ukraine would face attacks.
Putin’s comments further complicate efforts to end the war. Ukraine continues to demand firm security guarantees, while Russia presses for recognition of occupied land. For now, a peace deal appears distant.
