Russian President warns: Western troops in Ukraine can be attacked

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned on Friday that any Western forces sent to Ukraine would be considered a “legitimate” target for Moscow’s military. His remarks came a day after Kyiv’s allies confirmed plans to deploy troops if a peace deal is reached.

On Thursday, two dozen countries, led by France and Britain, pledged to join a “reassurance” force across land, sea, and air to monitor any agreement.

Speaking at an economic forum in Vladivostok, Putin said, “If some troops appear there, especially during active fighting, we proceed from the premise that they will be legitimate targets.”

He added that the deployment of such forces would not support long-term peace and cited Ukraine’s growing military ties with the West as one of the “root causes” of the conflict.

Ukraine’s allies have not provided detailed information about the plan, including troop numbers or each country’s specific role.

Kyiv maintains that security guarantees backed by Western forces are essential to prevent Russia from restarting its offensive.

Since Moscow launched its invasion in February 2022, tens of thousands have been killed, millions displaced, and much of eastern and southern Ukraine has been devastated.

Putin said if a deal could be struck, there was no need for the troops.

“If decisions are reached that will lead to peace, to long-term peace, then I simply don’t see the point in their presence on the territory of Ukraine.

“Because if deals are reached, let no one doubt that Russia will comply with them in full,” he said.

Ukraine and the West point to a long list of times Russia has broken agreements, including between 2014 and 2022, when Moscow-backed separatists were fighting Kyiv’s army in the east of the country.