'Foreign troops in Ukraine will be targets': Russia to US
What's the story
Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that any foreign troops deployed in Ukraine will be considered "legitimate targets." The warning was issued during a meeting with United States special envoy Steve Witkoff and Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner at the Kremlin. Putin said European countries planned to send troops to Ukraine after a peace agreement, which he viewed as a threat to Russia's security.
Security concerns
'Presence of foreign troops in Ukraine unacceptable'
"We said from the very beginning that the presence of any foreign troops on Ukrainian territory is absolutely unacceptable for us, because we believe it threatens the security of the Russian Federation," Putin said, as per Reuters citing Kremlin remarks.
He also ruled out any territorial concessions by Russia, rejecting proposals to create demilitarized zones between Russian and Ukrainian positions.
This comes after two days of trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi involving Russia, Ukraine, and the US.
Diplomatic efforts
Kushner, Witkoff highlight progress in negotiations
Kushner noted that Russia and Ukraine had made progress in negotiations but were divided on how to implement a peace agreement.
He also raised concerns about European involvement in future talks.
Witkoff highlighted progress made during recent US-mediated negotiations, particularly a prisoner-of-war exchange agreement between Russia and Ukraine.
The meeting was held after two days of trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi on November 10 and 11.
Ceasefire proposal
Putin rejects foreign peacekeeping forces in Ukraine
Putin proposed a temporary ceasefire in Kostyantynivka, calling it a "humanitarian mission" to allow civilians to leave the area.
He rejected the idea of foreign peacekeeping forces in Ukraine after the conflict.
This position undermines hopes for an imminent breakthrough despite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's optimism about a possible agreement before 2027.
The Kremlin televised an extended opening exchange between Putin and American envoys, deviating from typical closed-door diplomatic meetings.
Security framework
Violence continues despite diplomatic efforts
European Council President Antonio Costa argued against creating a new security framework, accusing Russia of undermining existing arrangements.
French President Emmanuel Macron urged European countries to have a "clear and united vision" on their expectations from negotiations over Ukraine.
Despite diplomatic efforts, violence continues in both Russia and Ukraine, with recent attacks reported in Kyiv and Saint Petersburg.