Putin Doubles Down on Ukraine War Stance After Beijing Meeting
VLADIVOSTOK, Russia (AP) - Russian President Vladimir Putin reinforced his uncompromising stance on the Ukraine conflict during a visit to the Far East city of Vladivostok, warning that foreign troops in Ukraine would be considered legitimate targets for destruction.
Speaking at an economic forum, Putin said: "If some troops appear there, especially now while the fighting's going on, we proceed from the premise that these will be legitimate targets for destruction." The audience responded with applause, indicating a clear willingness to support military action against Western forces in Ukraine.
This stance comes just one day after Kyiv's allies, the so-called Coalition of the Willing, pledged a post-war "reassurance force" for Ukraine. The move has been seen as an attempt to reassure Ukraine that it will not be left vulnerable to Russian aggression once the conflict subsides.
Putin's comments also follow his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing earlier this week. Analysts say the two leaders discussed ways to strengthen their countries' economic and security ties, including cooperation on Ukraine.
"Russia is sending a clear message to the West that it will not tolerate any foreign military presence in Ukraine," said Steve Rosenberg, BBC Russia editor. "This is a red line for Moscow, and Putin is making it clear that he will take action if necessary."
The reaction from the audience at the Vladivostok forum was telling, with many officials and business leaders appearing to welcome the threat of destruction against Western troops. The scene was described by Rosenberg as "chilling," highlighting the deep-seated tensions between Russia and the West over Ukraine.
Background on the conflict shows that Putin has long been opposed to any foreign military presence in Ukraine. In 2014, he annexed Crimea from Ukraine, citing concerns about the country's ethnic Russian population. Since then, he has maintained a hardline stance against Western involvement in Ukraine.
The current status of the conflict remains uncertain, with both sides trading accusations and neither showing signs of backing down. The international community continues to call for a peaceful resolution, but Putin's comments suggest that Russia is unlikely to compromise on its position.
As tensions remain high, analysts say the situation could escalate further if Western countries send troops to Ukraine. "The risk of miscalculation is very real," said Rosenberg. "Both sides need to be careful not to take actions that could lead to a wider conflict."
In the meantime, Putin's stance on Ukraine remains unchanged. He has repeatedly stated that he will only meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Moscow, and that any Western military presence in Ukraine would be met with force.
The international community continues to watch developments closely, as the situation in Ukraine remains one of the most pressing global security concerns.
*Reporting by Bbc.*
