Vladimir Putin, president of the country aggressing Ukraine, asserted that the official deployment of foreign troops and weapon supplies to Ukraine would not alter the battlefield dynamics, during an interview with propagandist Dmitry Kiselyov.
Putin emphasized, "If we're talking about official military units from foreign countries, I am confident that it won't change the battlefield situation. This is crucial. Similarly, weapon supplies do not make a difference."
He argued that Western military personnel have been in Ukraine long before the conflict escalated, with their numbers significantly increasing post the Revolution of Dignity. Putin mentioned, "Now they are directly involved as advisors, as well as foreign mercenaries suffering casualties."
Furthermore, Putin warned of "serious geopolitical consequences" should foreign troops continue their presence in Ukraine.
This statement comes in the wake of French President Emmanuel Macron's recent remarks that the deployment of Western troops to Ukraine "cannot be ruled out," which he later described as deliberate. Macron's comments led to swift reassurances from allied governments, denying any plans to send troops.
Moscow responded sharply to Macron's statements, cautioning that Western military involvement in Ukraine could trigger a direct conflict between Russia and NATO.
Meanwhile, John Kirby, the White House National Security Council's strategic communications coordinator, clarified that the United States has no intention of deploying troops to Ukraine. Instead, Kyiv seeks weapons from its allies to defend against the Russian invasion.
