MOSCOW, Russia – Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Friday that any Western forces in Ukraine would be a target for the Russian military.
He stressed that Russia absolutely does not accept Ukraine’s membership in NATO.
Putin made the comments a day after French President Emmanuel Macron said 26 countries had pledged post-war security guarantees to Ukraine. These guarantees include international forces on land, at sea and in the air.
Macron, who chaired the meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, spoke about plans for security guarantees. However, he did not reveal details or the contributions of various countries. “Security guarantees will be deployed on the day the conflict stops,” he said. This will occur whether through a ‘ceasefire’ or a ‘truce’ and a ‘peace treaty’.
But he stressed that “the goal of this force is not to wage war against Russia.” Instead, it aims to deter Russia from attacking Ukraine again in the future.
Putin said, during an economic forum in Vladivostok in the Russian Far East: “If forces are deployed there, whatever they may be, especially now while battles are taking place, we will proceed from the principle that they will be legitimate targets” for the Russian army.
The Russian President indicated that Moscow is the ideal place to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
He stressed that Russia will guarantee 100% security and safety for the Ukrainian delegation.
The Russian President noted that agreement with Zelensky on key issues is not possible at the present time. This is due to legal and technical difficulties.
He continued: “I have said many times that I am ready for these contacts (with Zelensky)”. I don’t see any point in that, why? Because it would be almost impossible to reach an agreement with the Ukrainian side on the main issues. Even if there was political will, which I doubt, there are legal and technical difficulties.”
“Russia will fully comply with the peace agreements on Ukraine when they are reached,” he added.
He pointed out that “security issues regarding Ukraine cannot be addressed in isolation from Russia’s security”.
Before that, the Kremlin accused the Europeans of “obstructing” the resolution of the conflict in Ukraine.
This came the day after a meeting held by European countries supporting Kiev.
With the aim of examining the security guarantees it can provide to its ally within the framework of any peace agreement.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in media statements published on Friday that security guarantees for Ukraine cannot be provided by foreign military forces.
Western discussions
US President Donald Trump discussed with European leaders on Thursday the security guarantees that should be provided to Kiev.
In addition to ways to intensify pressure on Russia to bring it to the peace negotiating table.
On Thursday, coalition leaders held discussions on security guarantees for Kiev in any possible peace agreement with Moscow.
The “Alliance of the Willing” includes nearly 30 countries, most of them European. They support Kiev in confronting the Russian war that began in 2022.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met in the French capital with Steve Witkov, the US President’s special envoy.
Europeans are demanding that Trump impose new US sanctions on Russia.
On Wednesday, the US President hinted at the possibility of imposing new sanctions on Russia unless it responds to peace aspirations.
But without going into details.
