Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that Western troops, if deployed in Ukraine, would become legitimate targets of the Russian armed forces.
Putin made the remarks while attending the plenary session of the 10th Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. He stressed that if an agreement is reached on the Ukraine crisis that ensures long-term peace, then the presence of Western troops on Ukrainian territory would be meaningless.
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Putin warns Western troops in Ukraine would be legitimate targets
Putin warns Western troops in Ukraine would be legitimate targets
Putin warns Western troops in Ukraine would be legitimate targets
Putin warns Western troops in Ukraine would be legitimate targets
Regarding the possible presence of foreign military forces in Ukraine, this is one of the fundamental reasons for absorbing Ukraine into NATO, Putin said, noting that therefore, if foreign troops appear there, especially now during the course of military operations, they will be considered as legitimate targets.
The Russian president emphasized that the issue of Ukraine's security cannot be resolved without taking into account Russia's own security concerns.
He added that both Russia and Ukraine must be provided with security guarantees, stressing that if an agreement is reached, Russia will undoubtedly respect and fully implement these security guarantees.
On the possibility of a summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Putin said he does not believe it is possible at present to reach agreements on key issues, noting that even if there is political will for contact, legal and technical obstacles remain. In his view, such contact would hold little meaning for now.
At the same time, Putin underlined that should a meeting take place, Moscow would be the most suitable venue, and Russia would ensure Zelensky's safety in the capital.
Putin's remarks came as French President Emmanuel Macron and visiting Ukrainian President Zelensky announced in Paris on Thursday that 26 countries, mainly European states, had formally committed to deploying troops to Ukraine within the framework of a ceasefire or peace agreement.
Macron, however, declined to reveal the size of the multinational force.
On the same day, Zelensky said that 26 countries are ready to provide Ukraine with real support in terms of security guarantees, adding that U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed U.S. participation.
In the coming weeks, Ukraine will discuss with each country what exactly they can do, according to the Ukrainian president.
According to foreign media reports, Zelensky also noted that he would not disclose figures regarding the size of the potential deployment, as such issues remain under discussion.
Putin warns Western troops in Ukraine would be legitimate targets
Putin warns Western troops in Ukraine would be legitimate targets
Putin warns Western troops in Ukraine would be legitimate targets
Putin warns Western troops in Ukraine would be legitimate targets
