Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued stark warnings against the idea of Western troops being stationed in Ukraine, calling such deployments ‘legitimate targets for defeat.’ Speaking at an economic forum in Russia’s Far East, Putin emphasized that NATO’s eastward expansion, particularly Ukraine’s potential membership, has been a root cause of the ongoing conflict.
His remarks were made amid discussions about a potential postwar security mission, with European and Allied nations pledging support for security guarantees for Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that 26 countries have committed to security guarantees for Kyiv, including military contributions ‘in the sky, in the sea, and on the ground.’ French President Emmanuel Macron described these commitments as potential deployments ‘by land, sea, or air’ once hostilities have ceased.
Putin countered that if Moscow and Kyiv are able to finalize a political settlement, foreign soldiers would only complicate matters. ‘If decisions are reached that lead to long-term peace, then I simply see no reason for their presence on Ukrainian territory,’ he said. ‘Because if such agreements are reached, let no one doubt that Russia will fully implement them.’ Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov echoed the Russian leader’s long-standing grievances with NATO, casting Western guarantees for Ukraine as equivalent to pushing the alliance eastward.
Putin’s statements came a day after European and Allied nations signaled support for a coordinated postwar mission. The Kremlin’s comments follow a week of high-profile diplomacy for Putin, who traveled to Beijing to appear alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. From China, Putin revealed that U.S. President Donald Trump had asked him to engage directly with Zelenskyy about ending the war.
‘Donald asked me if it was possible to hold such a meeting. I said yes, it is possible. In the end, if Zelenskyy is ready, let him come to Moscow. Such a meeting will take place,’ Putin said. He later promised to ensure security for the Ukrainian leader in the Russian capital. Zelenskyy publicly dismissed the offer, arguing that Moscow was once again trying to delay serious negotiations. ‘Our American partners told me that Putin had invited me to Moscow. In my opinion, if someone wants the meeting to not take place, they should invite me to Moscow,’ Zelenskyy said.
Ukraine’s foreign minister, Andriy Sybiha, insisted Kyiv is ready for direct talks but only on neutral ground. ‘Right now, at least seven countries are ready to host a meeting between the leaders of Ukraine and Russia to bring an end to the war — Austria, the Holy See, Switzerland, Türkiye, and three Gulf states,’ he wrote on social media.