Far-East Forum Address
On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin cautioned that Western soldiers deployed to Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict would be treated as legitimate targets.
He delivered the remarks at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, emphasizing that Moscow would respond if foreign forces entered Ukraine while fighting continues.
Prompted by European Security Plans
The comments followed announcements in Paris earlier this week, where French President Emmanuel Macron stated that 26 countries had pledged long-term security support for Ukraine.
These commitments include financial aid, military training, and the potential creation of a multinational reassurance force once hostilities subside.
Putin insisted that any deployment before a ceasefire or peace agreement would place such forces in direct danger.
Reactions and Potential Risks
Kyiv condemned the statement as a threat intended to discourage international backing.
French officials said their assistance is defensive and aligned with international law.
The United States and the United Kingdom confirmed that they do not plan to send combat troops into Ukraine.
Analysts note that while direct deployments remain unlikely, Putin’s warning highlights the potential for escalation if foreign forces were introduced into the conflict.
