Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected proposed Western security guarantees for Ukraine, stating that any foreign troops deployed in the country would be considered “legitimate targets” for Russia’s military.
This warning comes after 26 nations, including France and Britain, agreed to provide forces to deter Russia from further aggression in Ukraine should a peace deal be reached.
“If some troops appear there, especially now during the fighting, we proceed from the premise that they will be legitimate targets,” Putin said at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok.
He emphasized that the deployment of foreign troops would not contribute to long-term peace and reiterated that Ukraine’s closer military ties with the West are among the root causes of the conflict.
The proposal, agreed upon at the Paris summit, suggests that a “reassurance” force patrol Ukraine to enforce any future deal.
However, Putin and Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov have expressed that this proposal is unacceptable, viewing the presence of international forces near Russia’s border as a threat.
“We would recognise it as a threat to ourselves – the presence of international forces, or any foreign forces, or NATO forces on Ukrainian soil, near our border,” Peskov told reporters.
Instead, Peskov claimed that the Istanbul framework, which would see Ukraine adopt a neutral, nuclear-free status in exchange for security assurances from major powers, contains all necessary security guarantees.
The extent of US involvement in the plan proposed in Paris remains uncertain, with President Donald Trump previously stating that Washington will not put troops on the ground but may provide other support, such as air power.
Putin emphasized that security guarantees must be set in place for both Russia and Ukraine, stating, “I repeat once again, of course, Russia will implement these agreements. But, in any case, no one has discussed this with us at a serious level yet.”
Following a call with European leaders at the Paris summit, Trump said he would speak with Putin soon, with Peskov indicating that such a call could be organized swiftly.
The situation highlights the complexities and uncertainties surrounding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with both sides dug in on their positions regarding security guarantees and foreign troop deployments.
The recent rejection by Russian President Vladimir Putin of Western security guarantees for Ukraine has significant implications for the ongoing conflict.
Putin’s stance emphasizes that any foreign troops deployed in Ukraine would be considered “legitimate targets” for Russia’s military, particularly during active fighting.
This warning comes after 26 countries, led primarily by European nations, pledged to form a “reassurance” force to deter future Russian aggression against Ukraine should a peace agreement be reached.
European Coalition and US Involvement
The European coalition’s initiative aims to provide security guarantees to Ukraine, but the role of the United States in this effort remains uncertain.
Despite virtual talks between European leaders and US President Donald Trump, the extent of US involvement has not been clearly defined.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has stated that Italy will not send troops but could assist in monitoring any peace agreement. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has urged for greater pressure on Russia, while a German government spokesman noted that Germany’s decision on military involvement would depend on clarified framework conditions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has welcomed the commitment from Western allies as a significant step towards reinforcing Ukraine’s defenses.
However, Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has dismissed the plan, asserting that foreign troops, especially from Europe and America, cannot provide the necessary security assurances to Kyiv. Peskov emphasized that Russia views the presence of international forces near its border as a threat.
The path forward for peace negotiations remains complex, with differing views on the deployment of foreign troops and the terms of any potential agreement.
Putin has insisted that Russia should be one of the countries acting as “guarantors” of Ukrainian security, a proposal rejected by Kyiv and its allies.
NATO chief Mark Rutte has countered that Russia has no veto power over Western troop deployments in Ukraine, emphasizing Ukraine’s sovereignty in deciding its security arrangements.