ISLAMABAD: Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that any Western troops deployed to Ukraine under a proposed post-war security arrangement would be considered “legitimate targets” for Moscow’s military.
Associated Press (AP) reported Friday that the warning came hours after European leaders, led by France and Britain, announced that 26 countries had committed to joining a multinational “reassurance force” to help guarantee Ukraine’s security once a ceasefire or peace agreement is in place.
But, Putin, during a panel at the Eastern Economic Forum in the far eastern Russian city of Vladivostok said, “If any troops appear there, especially now while fighting is ongoing, we assume that they will be legitimate targets,”.
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 plan, unveiled in Paris on Thursday, marks the most significant step yet by Ukraine’s allies to prepare for a post-conflict order, though details of the force, and the role of the United States, remain under negotiation.
Thousands of people have been killed since Russia’s invasion began in February 2022, and millions have been displaced in what is widely described as Europe’s bloodiest conflict since World War II.
Macron: Force not aimed at fighting Russia
French President Emmanuel Macron said the reassurance force would deploy on land, at sea, and in the air to deter renewed Russian aggression. He stressed, however, that its mandate would not be to wage war against Moscow, reported AP.
“The objective is to prevent any new major aggression and to involve 26 states clearly in Ukraine’s lasting security,” Macron told reporters after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders.
Zelenskyy, speaking alongside Macron, welcomed the pledge and underlined the need for international guarantees to ensure Russia does not reignite hostilities. The Ukrainian leader described U.S. involvement as crucial, though he acknowledged discussions with Washington were still ongoing.
Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer have both said the initiative requires American participation to carry credibility, with planning to be finalized in consultation with Washington.
US, UK, and Europe weigh security guarantees
While no final U.S. role has been announced, Macron and Zelenskyy said Washington had shown willingness to back the plan. “As for in what format, I am not yet ready to tell you in detail,” Zelenskyy said.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the coalition’s commitment as “unbreakable,” noting that U.S. President Donald Trump had given his backing during phone calls with European leaders.
According to Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Trump stressed the need for Europe to stop buying Russian oil and gas, which he said was financing Moscow’s war effort. A White House official confirmed Trump cited EU payments of €1.1 billion for Russian fuel in one year.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz outlined three “areas of action,” including preparations for a peace summit with Zelenskyy and a renewed push for sanctions if Russia stalls on negotiations.
Moscow, sanctions, and pressure for talks
European leaders said their next steps would depend on Moscow’s willingness to engage. “If the Russian side continues to play for time, Europe will increase the pressure of sanctions,” a German government spokesman said.
Zelenskyy insisted a meeting with Putin is “a necessity,” while accusing Moscow of dragging out the process. “We support any format,” he said, “but Russia does everything to defer it.”
Putin, isolated in the West but supported by China, struck a more conciliatory note earlier this week, suggesting “if common sense prevails, an acceptable option for ending the conflict is possible.” He added that Trump had shown “a sincere desire” to reach a settlement.
The NATO Secretary-General, Mark Rutte, urged vigilance, warning European nations not to underestimate Moscow’s ambitions. “We have to make sure our deterrence is such that they will never try, knowing our reaction will be devastating,” he said.
