Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a stern warning on 5 September 2025 that any foreign troops deployed in Ukraine during active hostilities would be regarded as legitimate targets for destruction. His remarks came during his keynote address at the Eastern Economic Forum held in Vladivostok and following the Coalition of the Willing summit in Paris.
Putin emphasized that Russia views the potential deployment of foreign soldiers in Ukraine as a dangerous conflict escalation. He underscored that the presence of foreign units in the ongoing conflict zone would automatically make them targets for Russian forces. This statement reiterates the long-standing opposition to Western military involvement.
The comments followed recent announcements by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron. Both disclosed that 26 nations, described as a “Coalition of the Willing,” had pledged post-war security guarantees for Ukraine, including the possibility of an international peacekeeping presence after hostilities conclude.
Putin said that there would be no reason for any foreign military deployment in Ukrainian territory once peace agreements are reached and implemented. He stated that the presence of such forces would become unnecessary if negotiations succeed in creating long-term stability, while stressing that Russia would fully implement its obligations in such arrangements.
The Russian leader insisted that a final peace settlement must guarantee security for both Ukraine and Russia. He rejected the NATO membership ambition of Ukraine and framed it as unacceptable for their national interest. He clarified that the pursuit of European Union integration is considered a legitimate sovereign choice that Russia does not oppose.
Nonetheless, despite voicing skepticism about meaningful progress in negotiations, Putin reiterated openness to direct dialogue. He invited Zelenskyy to Moscow and offered security assurances for such a meeting. However, he suggested that reaching a compromise on fundamental geopolitical and security issues would be extremely difficult.
The warning highlights a determined attempt to deter international involvement in Ukraine beyond financial and material aid. By labeling any foreign troops as direct targets, Moscow is signaling that it considers the battlefield strictly bilateral, rejecting Western notions of international oversight or military guarantees that extend beyond political agreements.
For Western governments, the Russian position illustrates the delicate balance required in supporting Ukraine without crossing red lines that could expand the conflict. The multinational proposals for peacekeeping seek to provide Ukraine with post-conflict security assurances, yet the stance of Moscow complicates the feasibility of implementing such measures.