Vladimir Putin is using the blunt instrument of military threats to derail delicate international talks about Ukraine’s future security. His explicit warning that any Western troops in the country would be “legitimate targets” is a forceful attempt to shut down a French-led diplomatic initiative.
The initiative has brought together 26 nations to discuss a framework for providing Ukraine with postwar security guarantees, including a military presence. This is a top priority for Kyiv. Putin’s threat, however, is designed to make these talks moot by demonstrating Russia’s willingness to use force.
The Kremlin’s strategy is to create a climate of fear that makes any troop deployment politically untenable for Western governments. It has already succeeded in prompting public refusals from major European powers like Germany and Spain, thereby undermining the entire effort.
This reliance on military threats underscores the collapse of the diplomatic process. With no active negotiations and deep-seated distrust between the key actors, the international community is left to navigate a landscape defined by intimidation and the constant risk of escalation.