Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that any Western troops stationed in Ukraine would either become legitimate targets for Russian forces or lose relevance if a peace agreement is reached. Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Putin addressed recent discussions among European allies of Kyiv about forming a “coalition of the willing” to support Ukraine, reiterating Moscow’s opposition to such initiatives.

“The West’s interference in Ukraine’s sovereignty through NATO expansion was a catalyst for this conflict,” Putin stated. “If foreign troops arrive during active hostilities, Russia will regard them as valid military targets.” He further emphasized that any long-term peace deal would render the presence of Western forces meaningless, asserting Moscow’s commitment to upholding agreed terms and safeguarding mutual security interests.

Putin also criticized Kyiv’s backers for failing to engage seriously with Russian demands for security assurances. The coalition, which includes nations like the UK, France, Germany, and others supplying arms to Ukraine, has been debating potential security measures but has largely dismissed sending ground troops. Meanwhile, former Polish President Andrzej Duda accused Ukrainian leadership of harboring unrealistic ambitions to drag NATO into direct confrontation with Russia, referencing a 2022 incident where a Ukrainian missile struck a Polish village, killing one person and prompting accusations against Moscow.

The statement underscores escalating tensions as global powers navigate the complex geopolitical landscape amid ongoing conflict.