Russian President, Vladimir Putin has announced that any foreign troops deployed to Ukraine, particularly while its invasion was still ongoing, would be considered “legitimate targets” by Moscow’s forces.
Putin told an economic forum in Vladivostok, “If some troops appear there, especially now, during military operations, we proceed from the fact that these will be legitimate targets for destruction.”
“If decisions are reached that lead to peace, to long-term peace, then I simply do not see any sense in their presence on the territory of Ukraine, full stop.”
Vladimir Putin
Putin also dismissed the idea of peacekeeping forces in Ukraine after a final peace deal, saying “no one should doubt” that Moscow would comply with a treaty to halt its 3½-year full-scale invasion of its neighbor.
He said that security guarantees would be needed for both Russia and Ukraine.
The Russian President also repeated his – already rejected – offer to host future peace talks in Moscow, claiming he would “definitely provide working conditions and security.”
Putin also appeared to reject a suggestion of holding that meeting elsewhere.
“But if they tell us: ‘we want to meet with you, but you have to go somewhere else for this meeting’, it seems to me that these are simply excessive requests on us.”
Vladimir Putin
Putin’s comments came hours after European leaders repledged their commitment to a potential peacekeeping force, a prospect that Moscow has repeatedly described as “unacceptable.”
Yesterday, 26 countries pledged force deployments as part of post-war security guarantees that would include international forces on land, sea and air.
French President, Emmanuel Macron made the announcement after a meeting in Paris of the so-called coalition of the willing, a group of 35 countries that support Ukraine.
He said that the26 countries had committed to deploying troops to Ukraine — or to maintaining a presence on land, at sea or in the air — to help guarantee the country’s security the day after any ceasefire or peace is achieved.
Putin has argued that NATO expansion has been one of the main reasons why it invaded Ukraine, viewing the alliance’s expansion to the east as a threat to Russian security.
Speaking to reporters, Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov noted, “NATO’s attempt to find a way to Ukraine presents a threat to our country,” adding, “That is why we view the presence of foreign armed forces, of NATO troops on the Ukrainian soil, near our borders, as a threat.”
“This is a threat to us because NATO views Russia as its enemy, and this is reflected in its documents. We cannot allow this to happen. And we will do everything that should be done to ensure our security.”
Dmitry Peskov
Zelenskyy Pushes For Security Guarantees
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that it was important that security guarantees “start working now, during the war, and not only after it ends.”
Addressing the participants of the international economic conference the Ambrosetti Forum, Zelenskyy said that he could not disclose more details as they are “sensitive and relate to the military sphere.”
According to the Ukraine President, the creation of a security system that will push Russia towards peace has already begun.
Zelenskyy also noted the importance of supporting European business – industries, jobs and a place in global competition.
“In Ukraine, we believe that the project of rebuilding our country after the war is a fundamental economic project for the whole of Europe.
“For us, Ukraine’s EU membership and the reconstruction of Ukraine are also elements of security. Giorgia Meloni supports us in this. And I very much hope that Italy’s participation will be truly strong and visible.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Italy for the invitation and attention to Ukraine, adding, “Ukrainians appreciate that people in Italy hear and support us.”
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