Putin Warns Foreign Forces in Ukraine Are Legitimate Targets for Russian Military
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared that foreign military personnel operating in Ukraine will be viewed as legitimate targets for the Russian military. This assertion was made during a meeting at the Kremlin with Steve Whitcraft, the U.S. President’s special envoy, and Jared Kushner, Donald Trump’s son-in-law. The discussions encompassed the progress of Ukraine peace talks, territorial disagreements, security assurances, and humanitarian concerns.
President Putin highlighted that the potential deployment of foreign military forces in Ukraine poses a threat to Russia’s national security. He emphasized that foreign troops stationed in the country would be deemed legitimate targets for the Russian armed forces.
The Russian President underscored that stationing foreign military forces in Ukraine would signify a continuation of hostilities, adding that European nations are fully aware of Moscow’s stance on this matter.
He also referenced Donald Trump’s proposals aimed at reaching an agreement on the European security system, noting that the U.S. President was endeavoring to facilitate dialogue with European countries, though these proposals were reportedly rejected by European nations.
President Putin further stated that Moscow has never been opposed to dialogue with Europe, attributing the قطع (cutoff) of negotiation processes to the European side.
Putin urged the United States to engage in discussions with European countries to ascertain whether they prioritize peace or the perpetuation of conflict.
Addressing Ukraine’s proposition of “gray zones,” Putin noted that Moscow and Kyiv hold divergent interpretations of this concept, and further debate could lead to disagreements and instability in any potential agreement.
He clarified that, from Russia’s perspective, the only existing border with Ukraine is the official state boundary between the two nations.
The Russian President acknowledged statements from Kyiv officials indicating that certain territories are not under Russian control.
Referencing the humanitarian cooperation between Russia and Ukraine concerning Alyoshki, Putin proposed organizing a humanitarian mission in the city of Konstantinovka.
He suggested that the responsibility for executing this mission be assigned to the Human Rights Commissioners of Russia and Ukraine, and declared Russia’s readiness to ensure its security.
The Russian President stated that Russian forces currently control Konstantinovka and require five days to demine the surrounding areas.
Putin added that if the Ukrainian side believes it controls the city, it should guarantee the security of the mission within its claimed jurisdiction.
He also proposed inviting foreign journalists, including American reporters, to observe the mission firsthand and assess the city’s control situation.
According to Putin, approximately 400 to 500 civilians remain in Konstantinovka.
The Russian President expressed gratitude for Trump’s role in facilitating the humanitarian cooperation between Moscow and Kyiv regarding the Alyoshki situation.
Putin also announced that another significant step would be taken concerning the exchange of prisoners between Russia and Ukraine.
He concluded by requesting Whitcraft and Kushner to convey the European side’s assessments on resolving the Ukraine conflict after their discussions with European Union representatives.
This meeting took place on Thursday, November 12, 2026 (Aban 21, 1405) in Moscow, following trilateral negotiations involving representatives from Russia, the United States, and Ukraine held in Abu Dhabi. The Abu Dhabi talks occurred on November 10 and 11, during which the parties discussed territorial issues, security guarantees, and prisoner exchanges. International media reported that initial agreement was reached on a large-scale prisoner swap during these negotiations, but major discrepancies persist regarding territorial matters and security arrangements.
