NATO troops stationed in Ukraine perceived as threatening and redundant by the Kremlin
In recent developments, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has sparked global concern, with several nations offering support for a ceasefire or peace agreement.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has reaffirmed his opposition to the deployment of NATO troops in Ukraine, a country he invaded in February 2022. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov justified Moscow's repeated rejection of foreign troops near Russia's border, stating that it poses a threat to Moscow.
Peskov also stated that Russia needs guarantees for its security, recalling Russia's position that the war in Ukraine has its roots in NATO's expansion to Russia's borders. Putin argued that no foreign troops would be needed in Ukraine as part of a long-term peace agreement.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's legitimacy has been questioned by Putin, who stated that his term had expired last year. Putin claimed that negotiations with Zelensky could not bring results, as he no longer has legal authority to sign anything. However, Putin expressed readiness to receive Zelensky in Moscow, offering guaranteed security for the Ukrainian president.
Kyiv declined a meeting in the capital of the aggressor, stating that at least seven countries had offered to host such a summit, including Turkey and three Gulf states that are considered neutral in the conflict. Putin, on the other hand, stated that he would not travel abroad for such a meeting.
In a significant move, 26 countries from the "Coalition of the Willing," including nations from Europe, Canada, Australia, and Japan, have agreed to send troops or military forces on land, air, or sea to secure a ceasefire or peace in Ukraine after the war ends. A troop presence of European NATO countries in Ukraine would mainly be conceivable as a large-scale training mission, not a classic peacekeeping force.
Several countries have expressed their readiness to send troops to secure a ceasefire or peace in Ukraine. Putin threatened that any military forces appearing during the fighting would be considered legitimate targets and would be destroyed.
Peskov emphasized that the NATO sees Russia as an enemy and has written this in its documents, which he finds dangerous for Russia. One of Russia's war aims is to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO.
Putin questioned the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, stating that his term had expired last year. However, Putin denied that Zelensky's powers had been extended due to the martial law declared in Ukraine because of the Russian invasion. Under Ukrainian martial law, no elections are held during the war, and the president's powers are extended.
These developments underscore the complex and evolving nature of the conflict in Ukraine, with nations worldwide rallying to secure peace and stability in the region.
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