Putin warns Western troops in Ukraine would be ‘legitimate targets’

Reuters reported that Ukraine is seeking strong commitments from Western partners to guard against any future Russian attack. France and Britain have indicated openness to deploying troops after the war, while US President Donald Trump has ruled out ground forces but signalled Washington could provide other support such as air power.

Putin argued that foreign deployments would be unnecessary if peace agreements were reached. “If decisions are reached that lead to peace, to long-term peace, then I simply do not see any sense in their presence on the territory of Ukraine, full stop,” he said, according to Reuters.

Putin added that any security deal must also cover Russia. “I repeat once again, of course, Russia will implement these agreements. But, in any case, no one has discussed this with us at a serious level yet.”

Talks with Zelenskyy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been pushing for direct talks with Putin. The Russian leader, however, said he doubted the usefulness of such a meeting, though he expressed his readiness to host Zelenskyy in Moscow.

“I said: I’m ready, please, come, we will definitely provide working conditions and security, a 100 per cent guarantee,” Putin said, according to Reuters.

Zelenskyy responded on Friday that Ukraine remains open to dialogue but does not trust Moscow’s intentions. “We are ready for any kind of meetings. But we don’t feel that Putin is ready to end this war. He can speak but it’s just words, and nobody trusts his words,” he said.

(With inputs from Reuters)