Vladivostok, September 5, 2025
Russian President Vladimir Putin has made it clear that the Russian military would view any Western forces dispatched to Ukraine as “legitimate targets.” This has made things considerably worse between Moscow and Kyiv’s international allies.
Rising Rhetoric at the Eastern Economic Forum
Putin talked about a promise made by 26 countries, led by France and Britain, to protect Ukraine after the war at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. Sending troops to land, sea, and air might be part of these guarantees. Putin declared that any foreign troops sent to fight would be fair target for Russian assault.
He claimed that Russia has always been against NATO being close to its borders, and he labelled Ukraine’s probable military integration with the West one of the “root causes” of the war.
No peace, no peacekeepers, but a promise to follow
Putin also suggested that Western forces wouldn’t need to be in Ukraine if a peace deal could be achieved. He stated, “I don’t see why they should be in Ukraine if decisions are made that will lead to peace, to long-term peace.” He also stressed that Russia will follow through on any such agreement.
Western Response: Stay Calm Even When Things Are Scary
The statements came following a meeting in Paris hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, when a “Coalition of the Willing” agreed on the main ideas for a reassurance force. This troop wouldn’t fight; it would keep the peace. It would only be deployed in after a truce or peace settlement, and it’s not clear how the U.S. would be involved on the ground.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the president of Ukraine, said that the promise was a huge step towards making Kyiv safer after the war. He also highlighted the necessity for robust guarantees against any Russian attack.
What Are Strategic Stakes and What Do They Mean?
Putin’s remarks make it look like the presence of Western forces is a threat to Russia’s existence. This makes Russia’s grounds for its military activities stronger and limits any future security agreements in Ukraine.
Western and Ukrainian Maths: Kyiv still needs peacekeepers to safeguard the peace. The recommended reassurance force is supposed to keep Russia from getting any bigger, which is something Russia obviously doesn’t want to happen.
This dangerous escalation reveals how weak any peace talks are and makes it more probable that NATO-backed soldiers will battle in Ukraine.