Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a fresh warning to European nations against sending military personnel to Ukraine amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Speaking to reporters in New Delhi on the sidelines of the 2026 BRICS Summit, Putin said Moscow does not intend to threaten European countries. He added that any decision by European nations to deploy troops in Ukraine would be treated as a direct conflict with Russia.
What Did Putin Say About European Troops In Ukraine?
Putin rejected the suggestion that Russia poses a threat to European countries and questioned why Moscow would seek a conflict with Europe. He said Russia had no reason to enter into a confrontation with European nations and argued that existing post-World War II arrangements and international principles should be respected. Turning to discussions about a possible European troop deployment in Ukraine, Putin issued a blunt warning, saying that bringing troops into Ukrainian territory would mean “war with Russia.”
Russia-Ukraine War Enters Fifth Year
The Russia-Ukraine war began in February 2022 and has now entered its fifth year. European countries have continued providing political, financial and military support to Kyiv, while the United States has also attempted to facilitate negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv. Earlier this month, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy following their visit to Moscow.
Putin is currently in India to attend the 18th BRICS Summit.
Putin Criticises Western Policies
Putin also criticised Western governments while commenting on the rise of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in the Saxony-Anhalt state election. According to Putin, political developments across Europe are the result of what he described as “systemic mistakes” made by Western countries in the areas of politics, security and the economy.
He argued that Western leaders became increasingly confident after the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union, believing they could act without facing serious consequences.
AfD Emerges As Major Force In Germany
The AfD recently emerged as the largest party in the Saxony-Anhalt state election, according to exit polls, marking the first time since World War II that a far-right party has topped a state election in Germany. The party has not yet been part of a governing coalition in any of Germany’s 16 states or at the federal level.
Mainstream German political parties have continued to reject cooperation with the AfD, maintaining what is commonly known as the political “firewall” against the party. The election result was also a setback for Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which finished second in the state.
