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Putin Warns Western Troops in Ukraine Would Be ‘Legitimate Targets’ After 26 Nations Signal Readiness

Moscow’s threat highlights unresolved splits over a proposed reassurance mission that still lacks defined contributors, mandates or a U.S. troop commitment.

Overview

  • France and the European Commission said 26 countries are prepared to provide land, air or naval forces to secure a post‑ceasefire arrangement, with plans framed as non‑frontline training or reassurance roles.
  • Germany has not committed to taking part, European NATO members are expected to carry most of any deployment, and specific country contributions and force sizes remain unspecified.
  • Vladimir Putin and Kremlin officials rejected any NATO or Western troop presence, warned such forces would be treated as legitimate targets, and reiterated Russia will pursue its goals militarily absent an acceptable deal.
  • Washington offered no concrete troop pledges, and President Trump pressed Europeans over continued purchases of Russian oil via the Druzhba pipeline, while U.S. media reported planned cuts to some military aid for European states.
  • Volodymyr Zelenskyy called a strong, sustainably funded Ukrainian army and eventual EU membership essential security guarantees, proposed new air‑defense measures to the U.S., and fighting with air‑raid alerts continued across multiple fronts.