Putin warns European troop deployment to Ukraine means war with Russia
Photo: Russian President Vladimir Putin (Getty Images)
Russian leader Vladimir Putin said that deploying European troops to Ukraine would mean war between Europe and Russia, according to Russian state-controlled media.
Putin said Europe is now "pushing its countries toward war with Russia." According to him, deploying a European military contingent in Ukraine would be tantamount to war with Russia.
Russian president stressed that Moscow has no grounds for a conflict with Europe, claiming that all disputes were settled after World War II.
Putin made the statement as the Coalition of the Willing steps up its efforts. The coalition brings together around 35 countries, mostly European, to coordinate support for Ukraine. Following a coalition meeting in Paris on September 4, 26 countries agreed to provide security guarantees to Ukraine, including the possible deployment of troops on its territory.
However, according to coalition leaders, such a deployment could take place only after a ceasefire or the end of the war, meaning that there are no plans to send troops to Ukraine immediately. France and the UK, which co-chair the coalition, have already said they are ready to deploy forces if necessary.
Earlier, the Coalition of the Willing leaders met in Kyiv on August 24. French President Emmanuel Macron announced large-scale joint military exercises by the coalition for October-November 2026. The exercises are intended to test the readiness of multinational forces to operate after a possible ceasefire.
According to the leaders, such forces could be deployed in Ukraine only after a cessation of hostilities, meaning this does not involve an immediate deployment of troops.
