Putin’s Latest Warning: Foreign Troops in Ukraine Will Face Russian Forces as Peace Talks Stall
Putin’s Strong Warning to the West
Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stark warning that any foreign troops deployed to Ukraine would be considered “legitimate targets” by Moscow’s forces during the ongoing invasion.
This declaration came in response to European leaders finalizing a plan for potential postwar security guarantees for Ukraine at a meeting in Paris. Twenty-six countries have expressed readiness to contribute ‘on land, in the sea or in the air’ to maintain peace and implement a ceasefire once achieved.
Diplomatic Developments
Speaking during his visit to China, Putin suggested there might be a chance to end the war through negotiations ‘if common sense prevails.’ He noted perceiving ‘a certain light at the end of the tunnel’ given what he described as sincere efforts by the United States to find a settlement to the conflict.
Putin reiterated Moscow’s firm rejection of Ukrainian NATO membership. However, he indicated that the Kremlin is not opposed to Ukraine’s desire to join the European Union, describing it as a ‘legitimate choice’ for Ukraine to build its international relations and economic partnerships.
International Response and Future Prospects
The security plan will be presented to the United States for formalization in the coming days. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, while the security guarantees are ‘not yet fully finalized,’ the proposed troop deployment ‘will definitely not be in single digits, but in the thousands.’
U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed a one-on-one meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy as part of efforts to end the three-and-a-half-year-long conflict. However, Moscow and Kyiv remain far apart on the terms of any potential peace agreement.
Recent Military Activities
Meanwhile, Russian forces have continued their military operations, launching their latest massive air attack with more than 500 drones and dozens of missiles across Ukraine, targeting energy and transport infrastructure at 14 sites across the country.
