Vladimir Putin has delivered a stark warning to Western nations following Donald Trump’s suggestion of potential US air support in Ukraine. This response was prompted after Trump dismissed the idea of deploying US ground forces, while showing some openness to the notion of air support.
Previously, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that 26 countries allied with Ukraine had pledged to provide military assistance “by land, sea, or air” to ensure Ukraine’s security once a ceasefire is established. Macron emphasized that the purpose of this deployment would be to defend against ‘any major new aggression,’ clarifying that it would not aim to ‘wage war against Russia.’
Putin’s reaction to these announcements was notably severe.
In a statement, the Russian President warned that Russia would view any foreign military presence in Ukraine as a ‘legitimate target.’ He elaborated, “If any troops appear there, especially now, during military operations, we proceed from the fact that these will be legitimate targets for their destruction.” Putin added, “And if decisions are reached that lead to peace, to long-term peace, then I simply do not see any sense in their presence on the territory of Ukraine, full stop.”
Russia has consistently cited the prevention of Ukraine’s NATO membership as a justification for its invasion of the country. NATO, established in 1949, was designed to unite Western nations against the Soviet Union. An attack on a NATO member is considered an attack on all, prompting a collective response.
Ukraine, having experienced severe occupation during the Soviet era and multiple Russian invasions post-USSR, is currently regarded as an ‘aspiring’ NATO member. Predictably, Russia has strongly objected to Ukraine’s pursuit of NATO membership.
Putin recently suggested holding peace talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Moscow, an offer Zelenskyy declined. Regarding ceasefire negotiations, Putin expressed skepticism: “I don’t see much point in them … because it will be practically impossible to reach an agreement with the Ukrainian side on key issues: even if there is political will, which I doubt, there are legal and technical difficulties.”
A significant demand from Russia in any ceasefire agreement is for Ukraine to relinquish Crimea and other regions occupied by Russian forces—a stipulation deemed unacceptable by Ukraine and its allies, as it would effectively reward Russian territorial aggression.