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

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

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.

Metaculus Prediction



The Controversies



Articles on this story



© 2025 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.15.2

© 2025 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 6.15.2