Putin Calls Foreign Troops in Ukraine “Legitimate Targets

 

Putin Calls Foreign Troops in Ukraine “Legitimate Targets”

Breaking Highlights

• Direct Warning from Putin
  Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, President Vladimir Putin declared that any foreign troops sent to Ukraine—especially during ongoing military operations—would be considered “legitimate targets” by Russian forces.
  ReutersAl JazeeraFinancial Times

• Context: European Security Plans
  The warning comes just hours after 26 countries pledged to offer military "security guarantees" for Ukraine as part of a post-conflict "reassurance force" planned for deployment after a ceasefire. France and the UK have shown readiness, but many European nations remain divided.
  Financial TimesThe Washington PostEUobserver

• Diplomatic Tensions Escalate
  Putin framed foreign troop presence as a provocative act that Moscow sees as a direct threat—undermining diplomatic efforts and underscoring the challenge of advancing peace during active conflict. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to press for real-time security measures rather than wait for post-war arrangements.
  AP NewsThe Washington PostEUobserver