President Vladimir Putin said today, "Regarding the potential presence of foreign troops in Ukraine, this is one of the main reasons for drawing this country into NATO. If foreign soldiers come here, especially during the current phase of the conflict, we will consider them legitimate targets."

Putin argued that the West does not need to deploy troops to Ukraine if Moscow and Kiev reach a peace agreement, warning that this is not beneficial for long-term peace.

"I don't see what sense the presence of foreign troops on Ukrainian territory makes if a peace agreement is reached. If an agreement is reached, Russia will fully comply, and no one can doubt this," he said.

President Putin at the Eastern Economic Forum 2025 in Vladivostok on 5/9. Photo: RIA Novosti

President Putin at the Eastern Economic Forum 2025 in Vladivostok on 5/9. Photo: RIA Novosti

President Putin added that neither side has seriously discussed the issue of security guarantees with Russia. He affirmed that Moscow will implement relevant agreements, as well as respect "the established security guarantees for both Russia and Ukraine".

The statement came a day after French President Emmanuel Macron announced that 26 of the 35 countries in the "goodwill coalition" have committed to ensuring Ukraine's security after the conflict ends. These countries will deploy land, sea, and air forces to Ukraine to achieve the set goal.

Some countries did not deploy forces to Ukraine and instead provided security guarantees in other forms, such as training soldiers and providing weapons.

Macron did not name the countries, nor the size of the forces they plan to send to Ukraine. The UK and France expressed their willingness to send troops to Ukraine, but some countries like Italy and Bulgaria said they would not do so. Germany declared it would only make a military commitment under clear conditions, including the level of US participation.

Nguyen Tien (RIA Novosti, AFP, AP)