Putin: Sending European troops to Ukraine would mean war with Russia
Putin said in New Delhi that sending European soldiers into Ukrainian territory would amount to direct war with Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a sharp warning to European countries, saying that any deployment of European troops to Ukrainian territory would amount to a direct war with Russia.
"They are now talking about sending soldiers onto Ukrainian territory. That means war with the Russian Federation," Putin said in New Delhi, where he arrived for the BRICS summit.
Context at the BRICS summit
Speaking during his visit to India, Putin insisted that Russia does not pose a threat to Europe and argued there is no reason for conflict with European states. He accused Western countries of what he called "systemic mistakes" in politics, security and the economy after the end of the Cold War.
During the trip, Putin also held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders discussed political, economic, energy and defence cooperation, as well as regional and global crises.
The statement adds to tensions around the conflict in Ukraine and underscores Moscow's clear red line regarding foreign troops on Ukrainian soil.
Photo: press material from the event
