Putin Says Western Troops in Ukraine Would be 'Legitimate Targets'

SEP 5·UPDATED SEP 5

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Above: Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia on Sept. 5. Image copyright: Kremlin Press Office

The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

It is not up to Russia to decide whether Western troops can be sent to Ukraine as part of a peace deal to end the war. Ukraine is a sovereign country and it's fully entitled to decide matters relating to its security. For instance, Finland didn't need to ask Russia's permission for entry into NATO.

Politico

Pro-Russia narrative

Russia believes in sovereignty, and that's why, for instance, Russia has said nothing about Ukraine's aspirations to join the EU. The same is true for security; it is up to countries to decide their own arrangements, however, with the exception that they cannot impinge on the security of others. NATO is a threat to Russia, and Russia will not accept it on its borders.

President of Russia