Putin Declares Foreign Troops in Ukraine as Legitimate Targets

Russian President Vladimir Putin gestures as he speaks at the plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia, Friday, Sept. 5, 2025.

Stepan Pugachev/Roscongress Foundation via AP

Moscow, September 5, 2025 — Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a stark warning today, declaring that any foreign troops deployed in Ukraine would be considered "legitimate targets" for Russian military forces. The statement, delivered during a televised address from the Kremlin, intensifies the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and raises the stakes for Western nations contemplating deeper military involvement.

"If foreign soldiers enter Ukraine to fight against Russia, they will be treated no differently than other combatants," Putin said, according to state media translations. He accused Western countries, particularly NATO members, of escalating the war by providing Ukraine with advanced weaponry and considering the deployment of military personnel. "Those who send troops should understand the consequences," he added.

The provocative remarks come amid reports of discussions among NATO allies about increasing support for Ukraine, including the potential deployment of military advisors or trainers to bolster Kyiv’s defense against Russia’s ongoing invasion, which began in February 2022. While no NATO country has confirmed plans to send combat troops, Putin’s statement appears designed to deter such moves and reinforce Russia’s red lines.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov later clarified that Putin’s comments were not a declaration of war against any specific nation but a response to "hypothetical scenarios" being floated in Western capitals. However, the statement has sparked alarm in diplomatic circles, with fears it could complicate efforts to avoid direct confrontation between Russia and NATO.

In Kyiv, Ukrainian officials have yet to issue a formal response, but President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly called for more robust Western support, including advanced weapons systems and training programs. Ukraine’s foreign ministry has previously dismissed similar Russian threats as attempts to intimidate its allies.

Western leaders expressed concern but reiterated their commitment to supporting Ukraine without crossing into direct conflict with Russia. A NATO spokesperson stated, “Our focus remains on providing Ukraine with the tools it needs to defend itself, in line with international law.” The U.S. State Department declined to comment directly on Putin’s remarks but emphasized that Washington’s policy prioritizes avoiding escalation.

Analysts view Putin’s statement as both a strategic warning and a domestic messaging tactic. “This is classic Kremlin posturing—deter the West while rallying Russian audiences by projecting strength,” said Dr. Elena Petrova, a Moscow-based political analyst. She noted that targeting foreign troops would risk a wider conflict, a scenario Russia has so far sought to avoid despite its aggressive rhetoric.

The statement follows a series of Russian missile strikes on Ukrainian cities and renewed fighting in eastern Ukraine, where Russian forces continue to press for territorial gains. With the war entering its fourth year, diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire remain stalled, and Putin’s latest comments are likely to further strain relations with the West.

As the international community braces for potential escalation, attention is now focused on how NATO and Ukraine will respond to this latest development. The prospect of foreign troops being targeted could reshape the conflict’s dynamics, underscoring the precarious balance between support for Ukraine and the risk of a broader war.