Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stark warning to Britain and NATO allies, declaring that any Western troops deployed to Ukraine would be considered “legitimate targets” for Russian forces.
Speaking in Vladivostok, Putin said:
“If any Western troops appear there, especially now during military operations, we proceed from the fact that these will be legitimate targets for their destruction.”
He argued that foreign troops would be unnecessary if peace agreements were reached, but insisted that security guarantees must apply to both Russia and Ukraine.
Despite framing his remarks as a proposal for peace talks, Putin also criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for refusing to travel to Moscow. He claimed he would guarantee Zelensky’s safety “100%” if direct negotiations were held in Russia’s capital, though admitted he saw “little point” in talks at this stage.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reinforced the message, saying Russia would continue its military campaign unless Kyiv made major concessions. He dismissed the idea of British-French “Coalition of the Willing” troops providing Ukraine’s security, insisting foreign military presence was unacceptable.
Meanwhile, Moscow launched one of its largest recent attacks on Ukraine, firing 157 drones and multiple missiles at ten locations. Ukrainian forces responded by striking a major oil refinery in Ryazan, near Moscow, and targeting ammunition depots in Russian-occupied Luhansk. These strikes have deepened Russia’s ongoing fuel shortages.
The Kremlin also denied reports that US President Donald Trump had requested a new call with Putin to discuss peace efforts, saying no such communication was scheduled.
With tensions escalating, Putin’s threats underscore the growing risks of direct confrontation between Russia and NATO if Western troops were to enter Ukraine.
Comments
Post a Comment