Putin Warns Western Troops in Ukraine Would Be “Legitimate Targets”

Putin Warns Western Troops in Ukraine Would Be “Legitimate Targets”

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday issued a stark warning to Western nations, declaring that any troops deployed to Ukraine would automatically become “legitimate targets” for Russian forces.

Speaking during a nationally televised address, Russian President Vladimir Putin intensified his rhetoric against Western involvement in the ongoing war in Ukraine. He stated that if NATO members or allied countries sent ground troops to aid Kyiv, Russia would regard them as direct combatants in the conflict.

“This is not a bluff,” Putin said, cautioning that Moscow would respond with “all available means” to any escalation that included the presence of foreign soldiers on Ukrainian soil.

The comment comes amid growing debates in Western capitals over how to strengthen Ukraine’s defenses following months of heavy fighting and continued Russian offensives.
Western leaders have so far ruled out the deployment of combat troops, relying instead on military aid, training, and weapons supplies to bolster Ukraine’s armed forces.

However, discussions about additional security guarantees and long-term defense commitments have been ongoing within NATO.

Putin also reiterated his claim that Western arms shipments were prolonging the conflict and increasing risks of a broader confrontation.

He accused the United States and Europe of pushing Ukraine into continued resistance while ignoring calls for negotiations.

The Kremlin’s statement was met with swift condemnation from European officials, who said Moscow’s threats are an attempt at intimidation and will not deter support for Ukraine.

Analysts warn, however, that the rhetoric underscores the growing risk of direct confrontation between Russia and Western powers as the war drags on into its third year.