Why Putin Said European Troops in Ukraine Would Mean War With Russia

New Delhi, September 12: Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned European countries against sending troops to Ukraine. He said that if foreign soldiers are deployed on Ukrainian soil, Russia would consider it direct involvement in the war.

Putin made the remarks while speaking to journalists in New Delhi on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit.

A Strong Warning to Europe

Putin was asked about discussions among European countries over sending troops to Ukraine. In response, he said the deployment of foreign forces would be treated as an act of war against Russia.

The warning comes at a time when European countries are discussing how Ukraine could be protected and supported in the future.

Russia Says It Does Not Threaten Europe

Putin also said Russia does not pose a threat to European countries. According to him, Moscow has no reason to enter into a conflict with Europe and does not need to threaten European nations.

He said Russia's concerns are linked to its security interests and the developments surrounding the Ukraine war.

Putin Refers to Past Agreements

The Russian president also referred to events following the Second World War and the breakup of the Soviet Union.

He said the major issues related to the Second World War had already been settled. He also argued that developments after the Soviet Union collapsed took place with Russia's consent.

Putin said actions that go against those agreements would violate Russia's interests as well as basic principles of international law and the United Nations.

Ukraine War Enters Fifth Year

The Russia-Ukraine war began in February 2022 and has now entered its fifth year.

Several European countries have continued to support Ukraine with military and other assistance. At the same time, the United States has been making diplomatic efforts to find a way to end the conflict.

Earlier this month, U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff visited Moscow and later met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Why the Troop Issue Is Sensitive

The presence of European soldiers inside Ukraine would be very different from providing weapons or financial support from outside the country.

Russia could see foreign troops on Ukrainian territory as direct military involvement. This is why Putin's latest warning could become important in any future discussion about Ukraine's security.

Putin-Modi Meet in New Delhi

Putin is in India to attend the 18th BRICS Summit. Before the formal start of the summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Putin held bilateral talks in New Delhi on Friday.

The two leaders discussed the Economic Cooperation Programme 2030 and ways to increase cooperation in trade, infrastructure, energy, technology, defence and culture.

Putin's warning comes as diplomatic efforts continue to find a solution to the Russia-Ukraine war, while European countries debate what role they should play in Ukraine's future security.