Western soldiers in Ukraine will be ‘legitimate targets,’ warns Putin

(Web Desk): Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to target Western military personnel in Ukraine.

According to news agency Reuters, Putin stated in a recent address that any Western military personnel deployed in Ukraine would be considered legitimate targets if they attempt to target Russia.

Putin's remarks came in response to a statement made a day earlier by French President Emmanuel Macron, who said that 26 Western countries have pledged to provide post-war security guarantees to Ukraine. These guarantees include the deployment of international forces on land, at sea, and in the air.

Russia has long maintained that a major reason behind its war with Ukraine is to prevent NATO from granting Ukraine membership and deploying its forces there.

Speaking at an economic forum in the eastern city of Vladivostok, President Putin said that if any Western soldier is seen in Ukraine, they will be considered a legitimate target.

He further stated, "If a peace agreement is reached between Russia and Ukraine, then I don’t want to see them [Western troops] on Ukrainian soil — and this is my final word on the matter."