Vladivostok:  Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that any deployment of Western military forces in Ukraine would be considered legitimate targets for Russian military action. His statement comes in response to a recent pledge by 26 countries to provide Ukraine with postwar security guarantees, which could include the presence of international forces on land, sea, and in the air.

Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Putin said Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine was aimed at preventing NATO’s expansion into Ukrainian territory. He stressed that the presence of foreign troops during ongoing military operations would justify Russian strikes against them. However, he added that if peace agreements were reached that ensured long-term stability, there would be no reason for continued foreign military presence in Ukraine.

The announcement follows French President Emmanuel Macron’s statement that 26 nations have committed to supporting Ukraine with postwar security guarantees, including the potential deployment of international forces. Russia has strongly rejected any discussion of foreign troops in Ukraine, calling such a deployment unacceptable.

Putin’s remarks highlight Russia’s ongoing opposition to NATO’s involvement in Ukraine and signal the challenges the international community faces in balancing Ukraine’s security needs with maintaining diplomatic relations with Moscow.

The situation continues to evolve as world leaders monitor the conflict and discuss potential measures to support Ukraine while avoiding further escalation.