Russian President Vladimir Putin made clear on Friday that Moscow is firmly against Ukraine joining NATO. He warned that any foreign troops arriving in Ukraine during the ongoing conflict will be considered valid targets for attack.
Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Putin emphasized that reaching an agreement with Ukraine over key issues is extremely difficult. He expressed Russia’s willingness to follow through on any existing agreements if they are made, but made it clear that Russia sees no reason for foreign soldiers to be present on Ukrainian soil amid fighting. “If they appear there, especially now during the war, we will see them as legitimate targets,” he said. “If peace agreements are reached that bring lasting peace, then there’s no point in foreign troops staying in Ukraine.”
Putin also pointed out that Russia fully intends to implement any peace deals that are agreed upon. His remarks came shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron announced that 26 European countries are ready to offer security guarantees to Ukraine for the future. These guarantees are meant to be in place after a potential peace agreement, with international peacekeepers expected to monitor and maintain stability—but only after fighting stops, not during the war.
However, Putin expressed doubts about reaching such an agreement. He said it would be “practically impossible” to find common ground with Ukraine to end the conflict that started in February 2022. While Russia wants security guarantees too, Putin didn’t specify what measures would be taken to protect Russia or how they would work. He stressed that “peace guarantees must be for both Russia and Ukraine,” implying that both sides’ security concerns need addressing.
The Russian President also reaffirmed Moscow’s firm stance against Ukraine’s NATO membership. At the same time, he said Russia isn’t opposed to Ukraine joining the European Union, calling it a legitimate choice. “Ukraine’s decision on NATO must consider Russia’s security interests, but their EU ambitions are their right,” Putin said. He added that how Ukraine builds its international relations, economic alliances, and chooses its future partners is entirely up to Kyiv.
This ongoing conflict remains complex, with Russia prioritizing security concerns and Ukraine seeking stronger international support. The world continues to watch closely as negotiations and international talks unfold, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the war.
