Russian President Vladimir Putin warned on Friday that any Western troops deployed to Ukraine would be considered legitimate targets for attack, raising tensions as Kyiv’s allies weigh future security guarantees.
Speaking at an economic forum in Vladivostok, Putin said Moscow would strike foreign forces if they appeared in Ukraine during ongoing military operations. “We proceed from the fact that these will be legitimate targets for destruction,” he said.
His remarks came a day after French President Emmanuel Macron announced that 26 countries had pledged to provide postwar security guarantees to Ukraine, including the possibility of an international force on land, sea, and air.
Putin dismissed the idea of foreign troops even under a peace settlement. “If decisions are reached that lead to long-term peace, then I simply do not see any sense in their presence on the territory of Ukraine, full stop,” he said.
Divide over Ukraine’s security
The comments highlight the gulf between Moscow and Kyiv’s Western allies over the shape of any future agreement. Ukraine is pushing for strong guarantees to protect against further Russian aggression. France and Britain have signaled they are open to deploying troops after the war ends, while U.S. President Donald Trump has ruled out sending ground forces but suggested other military support, such as air power.
Putin said any deal would need to include security arrangements for both Russia and Ukraine but added that no serious talks on such guarantees had taken place.
Stalled diplomacy
Last month, Trump hosted Putin at a summit in Alaska, but the meeting failed to deliver a breakthrough. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has repeatedly sought direct talks with the Kremlin.
Putin reiterated an offer to host Zelenskiy in Moscow, promising “working conditions and security, a 100% guarantee.” But he questioned the value of such talks, saying it was “practically impossible” to reach agreement with Kyiv on key issues.
Zelenskiy, speaking Friday, said Ukraine was open to meetings but doubted Moscow’s intentions. “We are ready for any kind of meetings. But we don’t feel that Putin is ready to end this war. He can speak but it’s just words, and nobody trusts his words,” he said.
