Putin warns European troop deployment in Ukraine after peace deal would restart war

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that the war in Ukraine would immediately resume if European or foreign troops are deployed on Ukrainian territory following any peace agreement, stressing that Moscow would consider such forces legitimate targets for the Russian military and that their presence is unacceptable to Russia.

Speaking at a Kremlin meeting with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Putin said Europeans have discussed sending their troops to Ukraine as soon as a peace deal is reached. He added: "Europeans know this. What do we hear from them? They say they will send their troops to Ukrainian territory immediately after a peace agreement is signed. What does this mean? We have discussed this before. For us, this is a legitimate target, meaning the war would resume immediately."

Putin called on the United States to work with its European allies to clarify their position on the war in Ukraine, saying that Moscow wants the Americans to cooperate with Europeans "so that they can finally decide what they want: peace or war in Ukraine," and affirmed Russia's readiness to work with them.

As part of the settlement talks, Putin asked the US envoys to brief him on the European Union's assessment of negotiations on Ukraine, following their contacts with European representatives during discussions hosted in Abu Dhabi.

Putin said: "Your assessments of the issue from this perspective, from a European point of view, are of great importance to us," emphasizing that Moscow "has never opposed dialogue with Europe," and that it was European countries that cut off dialogue with Russia.

The Russian president stressed that his country seeks a lasting peace in Ukraine, warning that the continuation of so-called "grey zones" would leave agreements open to disputes and undermine the prospects for a sustainable settlement. He clarified that Russia recognizes only one demarcation line with Ukraine: clear and defined national borders.

In a related development, Putin revealed that a new prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine is imminent, following a previous exchange, saying that "another major step in this direction is close."

On the ground, Putin noted that Ukrainian authorities continue to claim control over certain areas, but argued that verifying facts on the ground has become more difficult given modern targeting methods.

He also announced Moscow's readiness to ensure the security of a possible humanitarian mission in the city of Konstantinovka in the Donetsk region, proposing a joint operation there similar to a previous experience in the city of Alyoshki.

Putin said Russian forces control Konstantinovka, adding: "If the Ukrainian authorities control this city, as they claim, let them ensure its security. From my perspective, Russian forces control this city, and we will guarantee security on our side."

He explained that Russia needs five days to clear mines from the roads leading to the city in preparation for the potential humanitarian mission, stating: "We will guarantee security on our side. We need five days to clear mines from the roads leading to this town. If Ukraine controls the situation, let them do the same."