Putin: Foreign Troops Deployed to Ukraine Would be Legitimate Targets/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that any foreign troops deployed to Ukraine during active combat would be considered “legitimate targets.” His comments follow renewed European pledges to support a post-war peacekeeping force in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russian drone and missile attacks continue across Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.
Putin Threatens Foreign Troop Presence: Quick Looks
- Putin warns foreign troops in Ukraine would be “legitimate targets.”
- Russia strongly opposes proposed European peacekeeping deployments.
- Macron says 26 nations pledged to support Ukraine post-conflict.
- Zelenskyy urges security guarantees begin during wartime, not after.
- Russia launches 157 drones and 7 missiles overnight on Ukraine.
- Major damage reported in Dnipro and Chernihiv; power outages continue.
- Ukrainian drones reportedly strike Rosneft oil refinery in Ryazan, Russia.
- Russia faces fuel shortages; Ukraine increases strikes on energy sites.
Deep Look: Putin Says Foreign Troops in Ukraine Will Be Targeted Amid Renewed Drone Strikes
VLADIVOSTOK, Russia — Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a stark warning on Friday, declaring that any foreign troops deployed to Ukraine, even as peacekeepers, would be viewed by Moscow as “legitimate targets.” His comments come as European nations reaffirm their support for a potential international peacekeeping force in Ukraine once hostilities end.
Speaking during a panel at the Eastern Economic Forum, Putin made clear that Russia would treat any foreign military presence in Ukraine during active combat as hostile.
“If any troops appear there, especially now while fighting is ongoing, we assume that they will be legitimate targets,” he said.
Pushback Against Peacekeeping Plans
Putin’s warning directly responded to remarks made the previous day by French President Emmanuel Macron, who announced that 26 nations—part of a broader 35-country coalition—had pledged to deploy troops or maintain a military presence in Ukraine after a ceasefire.
Macron described the deployment as a “reassurance force” meant to deter future aggression and support post-war stability. These commitments could involve ground troops, naval forces, or air support, he said, and would begin only after peace is achieved.
Moscow has consistently rejected the notion of any international peacekeeping force, calling it a red line that could draw NATO or other allies deeper into the war.
Putin: Peace Deal Possible, But Only With Security Guarantees
Putin did not reject the idea of a post-war peace agreement, stating that Russia would honor a treaty if one is signed. However, he emphasized that such a deal would have to include security guarantees for both Russia and Ukraine.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov later reinforced Putin’s stance, saying any future agreement would need to be “legally binding” and not based on verbal assurances alone.
“Of course, you can’t just take anybody’s word for something,” Peskov told Russian media outlet Argumenty i Fakty.
Zelenskyy: Guarantees Must Begin Now
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, addressing the Ambrosetti Forum on Friday, insisted that security guarantees should not wait until peace is declared. Instead, they should begin now, during the war, to reinforce Ukraine’s defense and long-term stability.
“I cannot share more details because they are sensitive and relate to the military sphere,” Zelenskyy said.
Drone Warfare Escalates Overnight
Putin’s comments came amid another wave of intense Russian drone and missile attacks across Ukraine. According to Ukraine’s Air Force, Russian forces launched:
- 157 strike and decoy drones
- 7 missiles of various types
Ukrainian air defenses managed to intercept or jam 121 drones, but several still caused damage:
- In Dnipro, central Ukraine, strikes damaged residential buildings and ignited a fire at an unspecified facility.
- Local authorities reported broken windows, shattered rooftops, and residents boarding up homes.
In Chernihiv, Russian drones targeted infrastructure in the Novhorod-Siversk district, resulting in power outages across 15 settlements.
Ukraine Hits Back: Russian Oil Refineries Targeted
In response, Ukraine has stepped up long-range drone attacks on Russian infrastructure, particularly focusing on oil refineries and fuel facilities that feed the Russian war machine.
Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed to have shot down 92 Ukrainian drones overnight. However, social media reports from Ryazan, a city 200 km southeast of Moscow, indicated that Ukraine hit a Rosneft oil refinery, igniting a fire visible in the night sky.
Ryazan Governor Pavel Malkov acknowledged that drone debris struck an “industrial enterprise” but declined to provide further details. He warned residents not to post images of air defense operations on social media.
Russia’s Fuel Crisis Deepens
Ukraine’s recent attacks on fuel infrastructure are beginning to strain Russia’s domestic fuel supply. Long lines have formed at gas stations in several regions, with authorities resorting to rationing or cutting off sales altogether in some areas.
This energy squeeze is viewed by analysts as part of Ukraine’s strategy to cripple Moscow’s logistical and operational capabilities heading into a pivotal phase of the conflict.
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