Putin Warns Foreign Troops in Ukraine Would Be 'Legitimate Targets'

Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared that any foreign troops deployed to Ukraine during active hostilities would be regarded as "legitimate targets" by Russian forces.

His statement follows a meeting in Paris where European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, discussed potential postwar security guarantees for Ukraine. Macron announced that 26 countries are prepared to support Ukraine's security, potentially through an international force on land, sea, and air.

Putin emphasized that the presence of foreign military contingents in Ukraine, especially during ongoing conflicts, would be unacceptable to Russia. He also dismissed the necessity of such forces after a peace agreement, asserting that their presence would be pointless if a long-term peace is achieved.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov echoed Putin's sentiments, stating that foreign troops near Russia's borders would pose a danger to the country. He emphasized that ensuring one nation's security should not come at the expense of another's and that such actions would not contribute to resolving the Ukrainian conflict.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged the discussions on security guarantees but noted that details are not yet finalized. He indicated that the deployment could involve thousands of troops, though specifics remain under consideration.

The situation underscores the complexities of international involvement in Ukraine's security amid ongoing tensions and the pursuit of a lasting peace agreement.