Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stark warning to the United Kingdom, threatening to eliminate British troops deployed to Ukraine in support of the country’s stability. Putin expressed his intentions to target British and other NATO forces present in the region, labeling them as “legitimate” targets amidst ongoing military operations. He emphasized that if peace agreements are reached, the presence of foreign troops in Ukraine would become unnecessary, as Russia would fully adhere to the terms. Putin, speaking from Vladivostok, stressed the importance of security guarantees for both Russia and Ukraine, promising to uphold them.
These recent remarks by Putin follow accusations of violating a previous ceasefire with Ukraine during Easter. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized Russia for continuing hostilities despite the temporary truce. The Kremlin has now declared its intent to persist with the conflict unless Ukraine complies with Putin’s demands. Putin urged Zelensky to meet in Moscow for negotiations, offering assurances of safety.
Despite the diplomatic exchange, Putin expressed skepticism about direct talks with Zelensky but remained open to the possibility. His spokesperson clarified that the invitation to Moscow was not a call for surrender but a diplomatic step towards peace. Moscow insists on security guarantees for Ukraine and NATO but opposes the involvement of Western military forces in the region, citing historical tensions over NATO’s proximity to Russian borders. The Kremlin’s stance underscores the need for comprehensive security assurances to resolve the conflict.