Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that any Western forces deployed to Ukraine would be considered “legitimate targets” for Russia’s military. His comments came Friday at an economic forum in Vladivostok, a day after Kyiv’s allies announced plans to send troops as part of a potential peace agreement.
On Thursday, 26 countries led by France and Britain pledged to join a “reassurance force” on land, at sea, and in the air to monitor any eventual peace deal. The war, which began in February 2022, has already claimed tens of thousands of lives, displaced millions, and devastated much of Ukraine’s east and south.
“If some troops appear there, especially now during the fighting, we proceed from the premise that they will be legitimate targets,” Putin said, insisting that foreign deployments would not foster long-term peace. He also blamed Ukraine’s growing military ties with the West as one of the “root causes” of the war.
French President Emmanuel Macron said the proposed troops would not be deployed on the front line but would help “prevent any new major aggression.” Standing beside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Macron described the decision as a “serious and concrete step.” Zelensky welcomed the pledge, saying security guarantees backed by Western troops are essential to deter future Russian offensives.
The details of the mission, including troop numbers and national contributions, remain unclear. U.S. involvement is also uncertain, though President Donald Trump has pushed for talks to end the war. Previous diplomatic efforts have failed to move beyond limited prisoner exchanges.
Putin argued there would be no need for foreign troops if peace agreements were reached: “If decisions are reached that will lead to peace, to long-term peace, then I simply don’t see the point in their presence. Because if deals are reached, let no one doubt that Russia will comply with them in full.”
Western leaders, however, point to Russia’s history of violating agreements on Ukraine, from the 1994 Budapest Memorandum to more recent ceasefire deals. Many accuse Moscow of using negotiations to buy time while expanding territorial control.
Earlier this week, Putin boasted that Russian forces were advancing along the front line in eastern and southern Ukraine and vowed to continue fighting if no peace deal is secured.
Meanwhile, divisions remain within the so-called “coalition of the willing.” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged stronger action against Moscow but expressed caution over the scope of Germany’s involvement.
Meta Description (≤150 chars):
Putin warns Western troops in Ukraine would be “legitimate targets” as allies plan peacekeeping force. Zelensky calls move a vital security guarantee.
About the author
White House says China agrees to postpone Trump Beijing trip
The White House says China has agreed to postpone United States President Donald Trump’s planned visit to Beijing, which was originally scheduled to take place in about two weeks . White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said Washington is now working with Beijing to secure a new date for the trip as soon as possible . Trump had earlier announced that he would delay his Asia tour because of the demands of the ongoing war with Iran, saying he expected to make the trip in about five or six weeks but without giving a firm date . In a response to Reuters, a spokesperson for China’s embassy in Washington said head of state diplomacy plays an irreplaceable role in providing strategic guidance to bilateral relations . The embassy said China and the United States will continue to maintain communication on President […]
Pete Edochie says his prayers helped six politicians win elections
Veteran actor Pete Edochie says his prayers contributed to the electoral victories of six Nigerian politicians in the last election cycle . He made the remark while hosting streamer Peller at his residence in Enugu, where he recalled how the politicians visited him before the polls to seek his blessings . Edochie said that two years ago, six people running for political offices came to his house with a big ram and kolanuts, and that he prayed for them . According to him, all six later went on to win their respective elections, which he believes was a result of divine favour . The Nollywood legend said his requests to God are usually granted and maintained that those he has prayed for tend to record success .
Benin Queen palace officials risk removal over Peller’s unauthorised visit
The Benin Traditional Council has warned that a palace queen and some officials may face removal and other sanctions over streamer Peller’s unauthorised visit to the Oba of Benin’s palace . In a statement signed by BTC Secretary Frank Irabor, the council described the incident as a serious breach of palace protocol and a desecration of the sacred precincts of the royal court . Peller, whose real name is Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, reportedly visited the palace on March 6 during a nationwide tour and was received by some palace staff and chiefs . The council said he entered the premises without the required permission and that his conduct and that of his entourage caused embarrassment and a breach of the peace within the palace grounds . It stressed that the Oba’s palace is not a public thoroughfare or a venue […]
Spyro says God changed his story after 16 years in music
Afrobeats singer Spyro says 16 years of struggle in the music industry finally paid off three years ago, crediting God for changing his story and lifting his career . In a post shared on social media, he recalled going through a period of deep disappointment and hardship just before his breakthrough came . He explained that it was at his lowest point that things began to turn around, which he believes was a clear sign of divine intervention . Spyro now uses his experience to encourage others who feel stuck or are thinking of giving up on their dreams . He urged them to stay committed, keep working and trust that their own turnaround can still happen no matter how long they have been struggling . The singer said he has been pushing his music for 16 years and never […]
Spyro says God changed his story after 16 years in music
Afrobeats singer Spyro says 16 years of struggle in the music industry finally paid off three years ago, crediting God for changing his story and lifting his career . In a post shared on social media, he recalled going through a period of deep disappointment and hardship just before his breakthrough came . He explained that it was at his lowest point that things began to turn around, which he believes was a clear sign of divine intervention . Spyro now uses his experience to encourage others who feel stuck or are thinking of giving up on their dreams . He urged them to stay committed, keep working and trust that their own turnaround can still happen no matter how long they have been struggling . The singer said he has been pushing his music for 16 years and never […]
Enzo Fernandez unsure over Chelsea future after Champions League exit
Enzo Fernandez has hinted he could leave Chelsea at the end of the season after the club were knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint Germain . Chelsea lost 3 0 at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, completing an 8 3 aggregate defeat in their last 16 tie against the French champions . The world club champions are currently sixth in the Premier League and risk missing out on Champions League qualification for next season . Fernandez captained Chelsea in the second leg in the absence of injured skipper Reece James but did little to end speculation about his future when speaking after the game . Asked by ESPN if he would still be at Stamford Bridge next season, the 25 year old Argentina midfielder replied that there are eight league matches and the FA Cup still to play, […]
Related
White House says China agrees to postpone Trump Beijing trip
The White House says China has agreed to postpone United States President Donald Trump’s planned visit to Beijing, which was originally scheduled to take place in about two weeks . White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said Washington is now working with Beijing to secure a new date for the trip as soon as possible . Trump had earlier announced that he would delay his Asia tour because of the demands of the ongoing war with Iran, saying he expected to make the trip in about five or six weeks but without giving a firm date . In a response to Reuters, a spokesperson for China’s embassy in Washington said head of state diplomacy plays an irreplaceable role in providing strategic guidance to bilateral relations . The embassy said China and the United States will continue to maintain communication on President […]
Tehran Residents Live in Fear Amid Airstrikes
Residents of Tehran are living in a state of constant tension as airstrikes and drone attacks hit the city, leaving many fearful for their lives. Footage and testimonies obtained by the BBC reveal a population on edge, always anticipating the next explosion. Baran, a businesswoman in her thirties who requested her name be changed, describes her life as a daily gamble. “With the start of drone attacks, no one dares to go outside. Stepping out of my door feels like risking my life,” she says. She remains in constant contact with friends, tracking each other’s safety, even when silence alone feels threatening. The city’s recent unrest has compounded these fears. Following nationwide protests demanding change in January, thousands of Iranians were killed in a brutal crackdown. Many, like Baran, feel their hopes for reform have been shattered. Security measures are […]
Zelensky warns of missile shortage amid conflicts
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that his country could soon face a shortage of key missiles due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which is diverting military resources away from Ukraine. In an interview with BBC News, Zelensky said the escalation involving United States, Israel and Iran risks weakening Ukraine’s defence efforts. According to him, Russian President Vladimir Putin stands to benefit from a prolonged conflict in the Middle East, as it shifts global attention and resources away from Kyiv. Zelensky expressed concern that peace negotiations with Russia are being delayed, attributing the slowdown largely to the unfolding crisis in Iran. He also noted that rising global energy prices—driven by regional instability—are working in Moscow’s favour while putting additional pressure on Ukraine. A major issue highlighted by the Ukrainian leader is the potential shortage of air defence […]
Iran faces uncertainty after Larijani killing
The death of Ali Larijani, Iran’s senior security official, in an Israeli air strike marks a major turning point for the country’s leadership at a highly sensitive time. Although not a military commander, he played a decisive role in shaping Iran’s strategic direction on security, diplomacy, and conflict. As secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Larijani was deeply involved in key decisions regarding Iran’s stance toward both United States and Israel. His influence extended across the political system, making him one of the most important figures behind the country’s policy choices. Following the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in late February, Larijani adopted a firm position, indicating that Iran was prepared to sustain a prolonged conflict. His own death now adds to a series of targeted strikes that have eliminated several high-ranking officials and commanders in recent weeks, […]
Iran rejects truce bids as Israel targets top security chiefs
Iran has rejected proposals from foreign intermediaries to ease tensions or agree a ceasefire with the United States and Israel, insisting it is not yet the right time for peace . A senior Iranian official said two countries had passed on ideas to reduce tensions or reach a ceasefire, but Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s new supreme leader, turned them down . According to the official, Khamenei told his first foreign policy meeting that there could be no peace until the United States and Israel are brought to their knees, accept defeat and pay compensation . Khamenei’s comments came as the US Israeli war on Iran entered its third week, with at least 2,000 people reported killed and no sign of an end to the conflict . The Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for about 20 percent of global oil […]
Cuba hit by massive nationwide blackout
Millions of residents in Cuba were left without electricity after the country’s national power grid suffered a major collapse on Monday, according to the state operator UNE. The outage affected most parts of the island, marking another serious disruption in an ongoing energy crisis. Authorities said efforts are underway to gradually restore power across provinces and major cities, although the process remains slow and unstable. This latest blackout adds to a series of nationwide outages that have become increasingly frequent in recent years. The situation is largely driven by persistent fuel shortages. The country depends heavily on imported oil to generate electricity, but supplies have sharply declined. Previously, Venezuela provided a significant share of Cuba’s fuel needs, estimated at around half of total consumption. However, those shipments have stopped, worsening the crisis. Pressure has also intensified from the United States, […]