On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin made a significant statement regarding the presence of foreign troops in Ukraine. He emphasized that any foreign military personnel entering Ukrainian territory, particularly before an agreed-upon ceasefire, would be considered legitimate targets for the Russian military. This declaration comes on the heels of a meeting in Paris where European leaders discussed potential postwar security guarantees for Ukraine.
Putin's comments were made during a plenary session at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. He underscored that the possible deployment of foreign troops is a key reason behind Ukraine's involvement with NATO. "If any troops appear there, especially now, during the course of hostilities, we assume that they will be legitimate targets for their destruction," he stated, underlining the heightened tensions in the region.
Following the discussions in Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that 26 countries are prepared to take direct action regarding security guarantees for Ukraine. Macron highlighted that multiple nations are willing to contribute resources across land, sea, and air to support Ukraine's sovereignty and maintain a ceasefire once implemented. He indicated that this plan would soon be presented to the United States for formalization.
Putin remarked that the matter of deploying European forces in Ukraine has not been seriously discussed with Russia. His spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, echoed these sentiments, stating that the presence of foreign troops near the Russian border poses a significant danger to Russia. "It is impossible to ensure the security of one country at the expense of destroying the security of another," Peskov told reporters in Vladivostok, emphasizing the complexity of the Ukrainian conflict.
Putin further mentioned that he has yet to discuss the outcomes of the European consultations with President Donald Trump, who participated in discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders. "President Trump and I have an open dialogue and we have agreed that, if necessary, we can call each other," Putin said, indicating a willingness for ongoing communication.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy addressed the status of security guarantees, stating that they are not yet fully finalized. During a briefing after his meeting with the president of the European Council, Zelenskyy noted that while a plan exists, specific details are still being ironed out. He confirmed that troop guarantees would amount to thousands, underscoring the commitment of European nations to support Ukraine's defense.
In conclusion, the ongoing discussions about military presence and security guarantees highlight the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding Ukraine. As tensions rise, both Russia and Western nations are navigating a challenging path towards peace and stability in the region.
