Russian President Vladimir Putin warned on Friday that any foreign troops deployed to Ukraine before a peace agreement would be considered "legitimate targets" by Moscow's forces. Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Putin highlighted escalating tensions in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, now in its fourth year. His remarks follow European pledges for a post-ceasefire peacekeeping force, potentially complicating diplomacy and deterring Western involvement while bolstering Russia's anti-NATO stance.
Putin stated, "If any troops appear there, especially now while fighting is ongoing, we assume that they will be legitimate targets." He rejected post-conflict peacekeepers, claiming Russia would honor any treaty ending its February 2022 invasion, but demanded mutual security guarantees. This aligns with Moscow's opposition to NATO expansion, viewing foreign presence as a border threat, and aims to preempt Western moves while rallying domestic support.
The comments respond to French President Emmanuel Macron's Thursday announcement that 26 allies in a 35-nation "coalition of the willing" pledged troops for a "reassurance force" to secure Ukraine after fighting ends, via land, sea, or air. This reflects solidarity with Kyiv amid Russian gains in eastern Ukraine. Moscow deems such ideas "unacceptable," echoing objections since the 2014 Crimea annexation that preceded the full-scale war. Ukraine relies on Western aid to resist, while sanctions pressure Russia's economy.
These developments underscore fragile peace prospects, with past talks stalled on territory, neutrality, and assurances. Putin's warnings may dampen peacekeeping enthusiasm and embolden hardliners, testing NATO unity as winter looms, worsening humanitarian issues. Experts call for de-escalation like ceasefires, but mutual distrust persists. Putin's pivot to non-Western ties, including China and India, counters isolation, while Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy seeks stronger guarantees. Upcoming forums like the UN General Assembly may heighten diplomacy, but red lines on troops highlight high stakes for resolution.