Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that Ukrainian western forces would be considered “legal targets of defeat” the day after it was announced that dozens of Western countries had pledged to contribute to potential peacekeeping forces there if a ceasefire agreement was agreed.
“This is one of the root causes (of the war): we are trying to involve Ukraine in NATO,” Putin said Friday at an economic forum in Russia’s Far East. “So, we assume that if the troops appear there, especially during ongoing hostilities, they become legal targets of defeat.”
On Thursday, Ukrainian President Voldimir Zelensky said 26 countries “support security assurances in various forms.”
“We agreed that we have a presence,” he said, adding that what this looks like depends on the countries involved. “The presence is different. It’s in the sky, in the ocean and in the ground,” he said.
However, Putin suggested that if a ceasefire is agreed between his country and Kiev, there is no need for third parties to be involved.
“If we arrive at a decision that leads to long-term peace, I believe there is no reason for their existence to exist in Ukraine’s territory,” he said. “For if such an agreement is reached, there is no doubt that Russia will fully implement them.”
Also on Friday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said security assurances should be provided to both Russia and Ukraine following the end of the war, appearing to be in conflict with his boss.
“What was one of the root causes of this conflict? It was when Ukraine was drawn into NATO, and when NATO’s military infrastructure began to move towards our boundaries, when the foundations of our country’s security assurance began to erode.”
“Of course, these guarantees must be provided to both the US and Ukrainians during the settlement process,” he continued.
Last month, Russian envoy Mikhail Ulyanov called on the West to “think” what Russia had to offer in regards to such guarantees.
Russian officials frequently refer to what they say is the “root cause” of conflicts that previously included the existence of Ukraine as a sovereign state since the end of the Cold War and the Eastern expansion of NATO.
The threat targeting Ukrainian foreign peacekeeping forces is the latest in Russia’s inflammatory statement regarding external involvement in the conflict.
Last September, Russian Deputy Minister Sergei Lyabkov said Moscow was coordinating protocols for the use of nuclear weapons in light of strengthening Western support for Ukraine.
Putin’s comments also come to the end of what many viewed as a positive week for Russian leaders.
Side-side with Beijing’s China and North Korean counterparts, Putin was able to show the world that despite his attempts to isolate the Western nations, he still has a strong alliance.
The Russian leader spoke from Beijing on Wednesday and said President Donald Trump had asked him to hold talks with Zelensky.
“Donald asked if it is possible to hold such a meeting. I said yes, that is possible. Finally, when Zelensky is ready, come to Moscow. Such a meeting will be held,” Putin said.
He repeated the call on Friday, pledging to provide “safety” when Zelensky visits the Russian capital.
“The Ukrainian side wants this meeting and proposes it,” Putin said. “I said, ‘We’re ready, come on. We definitely provide the conditions of work and security. 100% guarantee.”
Kiev completely rejected the offer, accusing Russia of trying to stop peace efforts again, rather than working towards them.
“I believe Russia is doing everything it can to slow the process. Our American partner told me that Putin invited me to Moscow. In my opinion, if anyone doesn’t want to hold a meeting, they should invite me to Moscow,” Zelensky said Thursday.
Since the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022, Ukrainian authorities say they have thwarted multiple Russian conspiracies to assassinate Zelensky.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andri Sibikh said on Wednesday that Zelensky is ready to meet Putin “anytime” but that the Russian leader “continues to mess with everyone with intentionally making unacceptable proposals.”
“At present, at least seven countries are ready to hold meetings with Ukraine and Russian leaders. Put an end to the war. Three Gulf countries: Austria, Saint Si, Switzerland and Turkier,” Sibikha wrote on social media.
“Only an increase in pressure could force Russia to (a) eventually become serious about the peace process,” he said.
Meanwhile, Russia continues to attack its neighbors as the Western countries continue to try to end the war.
Two humanitarian workers were killed on Thursday after Russia launched a missile strike at a deminning site in northern Ukraine, according to the Danish Refugee Council, which led the mission.
