Putin Warns Western Troops in Ukraine Would Be “Legitimate Targets”
MOSCOW, February 29, 2024 – Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Thursday that any deployment of Western troops to Ukraine would be considered a direct escalation, making those forces “legitimate targets” for Russia. The statement comes amid heightened debate in Europe, particularly following french President Emmanuel MacronS suggestion that the possibility of sending Western troops to Ukraine should not be ruled out to support the country against Russia’s invasion.
The escalating rhetoric underscores the immense risks of further involvement in the nearly two-year-old conflict, which has already claimed tens of thousands of lives and destabilized European security. While many Western nations have provided Ukraine with significant military aid, the prospect of direct military intervention by NATO forces represents a notable and potentially catastrophic shift in the war. The warning directly challenges recent discussions about bolstering Ukraine’s defense with personnel from allied nations, raising the stakes for both sides and increasing the potential for a wider conflict.
Putin reiterated Russia’s willingness to implement agreements reached during negotiations, but claimed a lack of serious engagement from the Ukrainian side. “I will repeat once again that Russia will naturally implement these agreements. Though, no one has yet discussed this issue on a serious level with us,” he stated.
He dismissed a direct meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as “not very meaningful,” asserting, “It would be virtually impossible to reach an agreement with the Ukrainian side on major issues.” Rather, putin extended an invitation for Zelensky to visit moscow, offering a “100% guarantee” of safety and a “working environment.”
Ukraine rejected the offer of talks in Moscow,deeming it an “excessive demand.” Zelensky, while stating Ukraine is “ready for any meeting,” expressed skepticism about Putin’s intentions, saying, “He can speak, but that is mere words and no one believes what he says.”
