Putin Warns Western Troops in Ukraine Would Be “Legitimate Targets”
Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a strong warning that any Western troops deployed in Ukraine will be considered “legitimate targets for defeat.” Speaking at an economic forum in Russia’s Far East, he said the war stemmed from efforts to draw Ukraine into NATO. “If any troops appear there, especially during the ongoing hostilities, we assume they will be legitimate targets for defeat,” he declared. His remarks followed pledges from dozens of Western countries to support a possible peacekeeping mission if a ceasefire agreement is reached. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that 26 nations are backing “security guarantees” in different ways, including air defense, naval support, and even ground presence. Putin argued that third-party involvement would be unnecessary if Russia and Ukraine reached a binding ceasefire. “If decisions are reached that lead to long-term peace, then I simply see no […]
