PUTIN ISSUES STARK WARNING: Western troops in Ukraine deemed legitimate targets
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday as issued a stern warning that any Western troops deployed to Ukraine would be considered “legitimate targets for defeat”.
This declaration comes amidst discussions among Western nations about providing security guarantees to Ukraine, potentially including the deployment of a “reassurance force” after a ceasefire is agreed upon.
Putin’s statement, made at an economic forum in Russia’s Far East on September 5, 2025, directly addresses the ongoing efforts by Ukraine and its allies to establish a post-war security framework.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that 26 countries are “backing security guarantees” for his country “in different formats,” and that a “presence” would be established, varying by country, including air, sea, and ground forces.
READ ALSO: ‘Iran’s underground uranium facilities still intact’, says Putin
French President Emmanuel Macron, who hosted a meeting of the “Coalition of the Willing” on September 4, confirmed that 26 countries had committed to sending troops as a “reassurance force”.
Zelenskyy further clarified that this deployment could involve “thousands” of Western troops .
Putin, however, dismissed the necessity of such a force if a ceasefire is agreed upon, stating that Russia would “fully implement” any long-term peace agreements.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov echoed this sentiment, adding that security guarantees should be provided to both Russia and Ukraine, and that the presence of foreign forces near Russia’s borders would be considered a threat.
Russian officials frequently cite Ukraine’s potential NATO membership and NATO’s eastward expansion as “root causes” of the conflict.
The United States’ role in these security guarantees remains a point of discussion. While President Donald Trump has indicated that Washington will not put “boots on the ground,” he has suggested providing other forms of support, such as airpower.
Trump has also reportedly urged European leaders to increase pressure on Moscow, including by reducing their reliance on Russian oil and gas. Despite this, some European nations, like Hungary and Slovakia, continue to import Russian energy products.
The prospect of direct talks between Putin and Zelenskyy remains elusive. Putin has repeatedly invited Zelenskyy to Moscow for negotiations, promising “security” for the Ukrainian leader. However, Kyiv has dismissed these offers as disingenuous, with Zelenskyy suggesting that inviting him to Moscow is a tactic to delay peace efforts.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha noted that at least seven countries, including Austria, the Holy See, Switzerland, and Türkiye, have offered to host a meeting between the two leaders. Ukraine maintains that increased pressure on Russia is necessary to bring about a serious peace process
