President Vladimir Putin’s vow to attack any Western troops in Ukraine has starkly exposed the deep divisions within the European alliance on how to handle the conflict’s aftermath. His declaration that such forces would be “legitimate targets” is a calculated move to deter the West from establishing a military foothold in the country.
The threat was a direct response to a 26-nation security initiative, spearheaded by France’s Emmanuel Macron, which proposes deploying a multinational force to protect Ukraine after the war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has welcomed the idea, suggesting it would require a presence “in the thousands.” Putin, however, aims to quash this possibility before it gains serious momentum.
The Kremlin’s aggressive posture is amplifying the caution in many European capitals. Germany, Spain, and Italy have already voiced their opposition to sending troops, fearing it would provoke a catastrophic escalation. This reluctance has led to a significant scaling back of the proposal, from an active peacekeeping mission to a more limited training and support role.
This entire debate unfolds against the backdrop of a defunct peace process. With no ceasefire in sight, discussions of postwar security are speculative at best. The relationship between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders is defined by distrust, with Putin deeming a deal “impossible” and Zelenskyy questioning Moscow’s sincerity, effectively closing the door on diplomacy for the foreseeable future.
European Division Exposed as Putin Threatens to Strike Troops in Ukraine
