Putin Denounces Western Security Plans, Labels Troops in Ukraine as 'Legitimate Targets'

Fri Oct 24 2025 01:54:09 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a striking rejection of Western security initiatives, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that foreign troops in Ukraine would be considered 'legitimate targets.' This statement coincides with ongoing tensions and the uncertain future regarding a ceasefire.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has firmly rejected Western proposals for a reassurance force in Ukraine, branding any foreign troops deployed as 'legitimate targets.' This warning follows a recent Paris summit where Ukraine's allies discussed military guarantees post-ceasefire. Putin's remarks suggest a complicated path toward peace as he hints at the unlikelihood of an agreement, complicating Ukraine's desire for a ceasefire before any broader peace discussions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected Western proposals for a 'reassurance force' in Ukraine the day after any ceasefire comes into place, following a Paris summit aimed at finalising plans for security guarantees.

French President Emmanuel Macron stated that 26 of Ukraine's allies committed to deploying troops 'by land, sea or air' to provide security once fighting halts; however, specifics on the countries involved were not disclosed.

In his response, Putin warned that troops entering Ukraine would be considered 'legitimate targets,' emphasizing this point even in the absence of plans for immediate troop deployment.

The prospect of a ceasefire appears slim after last month’s summit between Putin and US President Donald Trump briefly raised hopes for a peace deal. Putin expressed willingness to communicate with the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky but questioned the feasibility of reaching agreements on key issues.

Despite the Coalition of the Willing, led by the US and France, working on military guarantees for Ukraine, tension remains high. Macron has clarified that any deployed troops would not be positioned at the front lines and aimed only at preventing new escalations.

While Ukraine supports a ceasefire as a precursor to broader peace treaties, Putin maintains that foreign troop presence becomes redundant should lasting peace be achieved. Furthermore, he has invited Zelensky to Moscow for discussions, a notion the latter dismissed as insincere. Western leaders are wary of Russia's motives, suspecting a strategy to gain further territorial advantage under the ongoing conflict.

Overall, as Putin continues to engage with leaders like Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un, he insists that Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine are progressing across the board.