Vladimir Putin has stated that any foreign military presence in Ukraine would be considered a "legitimate target" for Russian forces, escalating tensions as supporters of Kyiv work to outline commitments for long-term assistance.
The remarks came after French President Emmanuel Macron unveiled preliminary proposals for a multinational support initiative for Ukraine. Putin emphasized that any agreements involving foreign soldiers would contradict Moscow's opposition to NATO deployments in the region.
"If troops are deployed under current wartime conditions, we will view them as justified military objectives," Putin said during an economic forum in Vladivostok.
Despite no clear progress in Donald Trump's attempts to broker a resolution to the war, European officials have been drafting security assurances for Ukraine in case of a future settlement.
A recent gathering of 35 leaders in Paris aimed to finalize these proposals and seek U.S. backing for their execution. However, several nations, including Germany, Spain, and Italy, declined to commit to sending forces.
Earlier discussions of a mission to oversee a potential ceasefire were reduced to a non-combat training role stationed away from active conflict zones.
Macron announced that 26 countries had agreed to offer security assurances to Kyiv, encompassing military presence across land, sea, and air. "These measures will be enacted once hostilities cease," he said alongside Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris.
Speaking in Uzhhorod, Zelenskyy indicated that a substantial foreign deployment was under consideration. "We are discussing these details—it would involve thousands, not just a few," he noted after talks with European Council President António Costa.
Putin, aware of Western reluctance to engage in direct confrontation, appeared to leverage his latest warnings to discourage European military involvement.
Trump has offered unclear statements on U.S. participation in such efforts. During discussions with Zelenskyy and European leaders before meeting Putin, he hinted at potential U.S. engagement, though specifics remain uncertain.
Reports suggest the U.S. might oversee a demilitarized buffer zone after a ceasefire, with ground forces potentially supplied by non-NATO states.
However, all proposals remain speculative, contingent on an agreement between Moscow and Kyiv to end the conflict.
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