Published on, Sept. 5 -- September 5, 2025 4:32 PM

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that any Western troops deployed to Ukraine would be legitimate targets for Russian forces. He made the statement during an economic forum in Vladivostok on Friday. Putin's warning comes amid growing Western support for Ukraine's defense.

His remarks followed comments by French President Emmanuel Macron, who said 26 countries had pledged security guarantees to Ukraine. Macron mentioned that these guarantees may include forces on land, sea, and in the air. Putin responded sharply, saying such deployments would be seen as threats.

Putin argued that Russia went to war to stop NATO from expanding into Ukraine. He said Western troops stationed in Ukra...