Putin’s Stance on Foreign Troops and Peacekeeping in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stern warning concerning the presence of foreign military personnel in Ukraine, asserting that such individuals would be considered valid targets for Russian forces if deployed before a peace agreement is reached. Putin’s remarks were made at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia. His statement comes amidst discussions among European leaders regarding the possible deployment of peacekeeping forces to Ukraine. Putin also dismissed the necessity of peacekeeping forces after the conclusion of the war, stating that Russia would abide by a final peace agreement but that both parties would require security guarantees. Presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized the need for legally binding documents for any agreement, rejecting the notion of simply relying on verbal assurances.