Putin issues stern warning to Western leaders against sending troops to Ukraine, says,’ Legitimate targets…
Wars and conflicts appear to be the new normal across the global landscape. There is no sign of an end to the war in Ukraine, and Russia’s tensions with Western countries only seem to be escalating rapidly. Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned Western leaders, stating that any deployment of their forces in Ukraine would be treated as a direct threat and they will be “legitimate target” for Russian troops, the New York Times reported.
What did Putin say about troops entering Ukrainian territory?
According to Deutsche Welle (DW), Putin told an economic forum in Vladivostok, “If some troops appear there, especially now, during military operations, we proceed from the fact that these will be legitimate targets for destruction.”
On the other hand, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday that once the war ends, thousands of international troops could be stationed in Ukraine under security guarantees. Earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron said 26 nations have signaled support for Ukraine, which could be in the form of ground, naval, and airborne deployments. Zelensky said, “not a few hundred, but thousands.”
Putin added that foreign soldiers would serve no purpose if peace arrangements were already in place. “If decisions are reached that lead to peace, to long-term peace, then I simply do not see any sense in their presence on the territory of Ukraine, full stop,” Putin stated.
Why does Russia consider NATO’s presence in Ukraine a threat?
Putin has long argued that NATO’s expansion is one of the main reasons behind Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, calling the alliance’s presence near Russian borders a threat to national security. His comments followed a day after a handful of European leaders expressed a willingness to send troops in support of a potential peace agreement.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned Western leaders.
- Putin has long argued that NATO’s expansion is one of the main reasons behind Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
- Putin added that foreign soldiers would serve no purpose if peace arrangements were already in place.
- Earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron said 26 nations have signaled support for Ukraine.
The New York Times said the Russian president also ruled out the idea of meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy outside of Russia. He said any talks should take place in Moscow. Putin expressed, “The Ukrainian side wants a meeting.”
“We are ready. And the best place for it would be the capital of our country.” He added that reaching a direct agreement with Zelenskyy would be “practically impossible” under current conditions. Kyiv rejected the idea outright. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister said, “Putin continues to mess around with everyone by making knowingly unacceptable proposals.”
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