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Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on September 5 that any Western troops deployed to Ukraine would be considered “legitimate targets” for Russian forces, a warning issued as international debates continue over a potential peacekeeping mission following the war. Speaking at a press conference, Putin stressed that the presence of foreign soldiers on Ukrainian soil would be viewed as direct participation in the conflict and would not go unanswered. His remarks come as several European nations, along with NATO officials, have been discussing possible scenarios for stabilizing Ukraine once active hostilities end, including the idea of deploying international peacekeepers to secure ceasefire lines, rebuild infrastructure, and assist with humanitarian aid. According to Putin, such a mission would not be seen by Moscow as neutral but as an extension of Western military involvement.
Western leaders, however, have emphasized that discussions around peacekeeping are preliminary and focused on long-term stabilization rather than immediate intervention. NATO representatives reiterated that no final decisions have been made, but they rejected Russia’s framing, arguing that any mission would be designed to support Ukraine’s sovereignty and recovery, not to escalate the war. Ukrainian officials, for their part, have welcomed international support while insisting that any future mission must be carried out under Kyiv’s leadership and in line with Ukraine’s security needs.
Putin’s comments underline the heightened tension surrounding the post-war settlement of Ukraine, with analysts noting that his statement is likely intended to deter Western governments from advancing concrete plans for deployment. Experts warn that while Russia’s military is currently heavily engaged on the battlefield, Moscow’s rhetoric signals its determination to resist any form of foreign security presence in Ukraine, even one with humanitarian aims. As discussions continue in European capitals and within NATO, the question of how to ensure Ukraine’s long-term stability without provoking further confrontation with Russia remains one of the most pressing challenges for the international community.