Warning Delivered at Economic Forum
Russian President Vladimir Putin declared on Friday that troops from Western countries sent into Ukraine while the conflict is still raging would be treated as targets by Russia’s armed forces.
He made the declaration during a session of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, stressing that Moscow would not tolerate foreign forces on Ukrainian territory during ongoing battles.
Linked to European Security Promises
The warning came days after a Paris conference where French President Emmanuel Macron announced that 26 allied states had promised Ukraine long-term defense assurances.
These commitments involve financial support, training initiatives, and the prospect of an international force once fighting ends.
Putin argued that if such forces were deployed before a truce or peace deal, Russia would consider them part of the war.
Responses from Kyiv and Western Allies
Ukrainian officials dismissed the remarks as an effort to frighten partners and weaken international backing.
French authorities insisted that their aid measures are defensive and in accordance with international law.
Washington and London also reaffirmed that they do not intend to send combat troops into Ukraine.
Analysts caution that while no immediate deployments are planned, Putin’s rhetoric underscores the risk of escalation if Western personnel were ever dispatched.
