"Putin Declares Western Troops 'Legitimate Targets' in Ukraine"

Russian President Vladimir Putin Rejects Western Security Plan for Ukraine, Warning Troops Would Be Legitimate Targets In a move that has dealt a significant blow to hopes of a ceasefire in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday rejected Western proposals for a security force in the war-torn country. According to sources close to the Kremlin, Putin warned that any international troops deployed to Ukraine would be considered legitimate targets. The rejection comes just one day after a Paris summit where 26 of Ukraine's allies committed to deploying troops to provide security once fighting is halted. French President Emmanuel Macron had announced the plan, stating that the troops would be deployed "by land, sea or air" to help bring stability to the region. However, Putin made it clear that Russia views foreign troops as a threat to its interests in Ukraine. In a statement released by the Kremlin, Putin said that any international forces would be "legitimate targets" in Ukraine, effectively dashing hopes of a ceasefire and potential peace deal. The move has been met with concern from Western leaders, who had seen the deployment of troops as a key step towards resolving the conflict. According to Macron, the 26 countries committed to deploying troops were part of a broader effort to provide security guarantees to Ukraine. However, Putin's rejection of the plan has raised questions about the feasibility of such an operation. "We cannot have foreign troops on our soil," Putin said in a statement. "It would be seen as an attack on Russia." The conflict in Ukraine has been ongoing for years, with both sides accusing each other of aggression and human rights abuses. The deployment of international troops had been seen as a key step towards resolving the conflict, but Putin's rejection of the plan has dealt a significant blow to those efforts. In a statement released by the French Embassy in Moscow, Macron said that France was "disappointed" by Putin's decision. "We believe that the deployment of troops is essential for bringing stability to the region," he said. However, it remains unclear what steps will be taken next in the conflict. The rejection of the Western security plan has raised concerns about the future of the peace process. According to experts, the move could lead to a further escalation of violence in Ukraine. "Putin's decision is a major setback for the peace process," said Dr. Mark Galeotti, a leading expert on Russian foreign policy. "It will be difficult to get back on track now." The conflict in Ukraine has been ongoing since 2014, when pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych was ousted from power. The move sparked a rebellion by pro-Russian separatists in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, leading to a full-scale war between Ukrainian government forces and Russian-backed rebels. In recent months, there have been reports of increased violence in Ukraine, with both sides accusing each other of aggression. The deployment of international troops had been seen as a key step towards resolving the conflict, but Putin's rejection of the plan has dealt a significant blow to those efforts. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains unclear what steps will be taken next. However, one thing is clear: the rejection of the Western security plan has dealt a major blow to hopes of a ceasefire and potential peace deal in Ukraine. This story was compiled from reports by BBC World and BBC World.