Western forces stationed in Ukraine could be considered legitimate targets, according to Putin's warning.
In the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, tensions have escalated as world powers have announced their intentions to provide post-war security guarantees for Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin, however, has warned that any Western troops deployed to Ukraine would be legitimate targets for Russian forces.
Putin's warning comes as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Poland have expressed their intentions to offer post-war security guarantees for Ukraine. The United States and the United Kingdom have even openly considered the possibility of stationing troops on Ukrainian territory. This development has been met with concern by Moscow, which has previously argued that one of its reasons for launching the war was to prevent NATO from admitting Ukraine as a member and deploying allied forces.
Russia's President Putin has offered to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Moscow, promising "100%" security guarantees for his safety if the Ukrainian leader agreed to come. However, Zelenskiy has stated that he does not feel Putin is ready to end the war and that Putin's words are just not trusted.
Ukraine has been pressing for firm Western backing to guard against future Russian attacks. Zelenskiy has pushed for a direct meeting with Putin to advance peace talks, but Putin dismissed the value of such talks. In response, Zelenskiy reiterated that he is open to any kind of meetings with Putin, but he does not believe Putin is ready to end the war.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has ruled out deploying ground forces to Ukraine but suggested providing other forms of support, including air power. Trump hosted Putin in Alaska last month, but the summit failed to deliver a breakthrough.
The escalating tensions have not gone unnoticed by other world leaders. French President Emmanuel Macron announced that 26 countries had pledged to provide post-war security guarantees to Kyiv, potentially including an international force. Macron expressed confidence that the U.S. will provide joint security guarantees, despite President Trump's hesitation.
France and Britain, which co-chair a "coalition of the willing," have indicated they are open to deploying troops to Ukraine after the war ends. Putin stated that foreign troops in Ukraine would be treated as hostile by Moscow. After the summit, Trump accused Putin of conspiring with China and North Korea.
Putin stated that security guarantees should apply to both Russia and Ukraine, but no serious discussions about this have taken place yet. If foreign troops remain in Ukraine after a peace agreement, Putin does not see a need for their presence. However, the ongoing conflict and the threats from Russia have left Ukraine seeking firm Western backing to protect its sovereignty.
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