Western Support for Ukraine Faces New Risk as Russia declares Troops ‘Legitimate Targets’
KYIV, Ukraine - As Ukraine continues to seek robust Western support to defend against future Russian aggression, a growing debate over potential troop deployments has escalated sharply.France and Grate Britain, leading a “coalition of willing,” have signaled openness to sending troops to Ukraine after the war, a prospect Russia now deems a direct provocation.
The evolving situation underscores the high stakes of international involvement in the conflict and introduces a meaningful new risk for nations considering increased military assistance.While the United States, under President Trump, has ruled out deploying ground troops – offering instead potential support like air cover – the possibility of Western forces operating within Ukraine has triggered a strong warning from Moscow.
President Trump, who began his second term in January promising a swift end to the war, recently held a private meeting with vladimir Putin in Alaska. However, the summit yielded ”no breakthrough,” according to reports.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelensky has repeatedly urged a direct meeting with Putin to facilitate peace negotiations, but Putin today dismissed the possibility, stating it is “practically unachievable” to reach agreement with Ukraine on key issues. He reiterated an offer for Zelensky to visit moscow, guaranteeing his safety, but Zelensky insists on neutral territory – a request Putin labeled “excessive.”
Zelensky today shared on X that he discussed the issue with NATO chief Mark Rutte, stating, “Putin pretends he needs no peace, no negotiations, but in fact, global pressure can lead russia to end the war. I thank everyone who helps with this.”