Putin Warns of Consequences Amid Ukraine Support from Allies
During a recent address at the Russian Economic Forum, President Vladimir Putin issued a stark warning to Ukraine’s European allies, stating that any Western troops deployed in Ukraine would be deemed “legal targets” by Moscow. This statement followed a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his Western counterparts, where several nations committed to providing security guarantees to Ukraine.
Putin elaborated on the outcomes of the discussions, emphasizing that military support, including ground troops, would be provided as part of efforts to reach a peace agreement. He pinpointed NATO’s involvement in Ukraine as a major trigger for the ongoing conflict, remarking, “This is one of the root causes. We are trying to get Ukraine to NATO.”
Further, he added that if a decision leading to lasting peace is reached, it would hold no significance for those in Ukrainian territory. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov echoed Putin’s concerns, suggesting that NATO’s military presence near Russia’s borders was one of the conflict’s fundamental issues.
Meanwhile, Zelensky reported that 26 countries were prepared to offer varying forms of security assurances to Ukraine. Reports indicate that U.S. officials have informed their European allies that the Trump administration is poised to provide air defense along with intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support.
Zelensky, following a joint meeting in Paris, mentioned that the upcoming military presence would involve support across land, air, and sea, though he noted the specifics of troop numbers were still uncertain, stating it would likely be “thousands, not single digits.”
In a related note, Putin expressed willingness to meet with Zelensky but stipulated such a meeting would only occur in Moscow. He mentioned having discussed the possibility with a representative of Zelensky, indicating that such a meeting could happen when the Ukrainian leader is prepared.
Zelensky, on his end, accused Moscow of attempting to delay the peace process. He remarked that Putin’s invitation was somewhat insincere and suggested that if anyone was hesitant about meeting, it was not him.
