Russian invasion Negotiations

Putin: Western forces “legitimate targets” in Ukraine

Russia will not accept that the West provides any security guarantees to Ukraine, the Kremlin announced. All Western forces sent to Ukraine would be seen as legitimate targets for Moscow to attack, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced according to Reuters.

– If any forces appear there, especially now during ongoing fighting, we proceed from the premise that they are legitimate targets, Putin said, adding that it would not be “favorable for long-term peace”.

The statement was made after France’s Emmanuel Macron said that 26 countries were ready to send troops to Ukraine to enforce a possible ceasefire or peace agreement.

Similar statements have come from Russia in the past, writes TT.

Parties open to Swedish soldiers in Ukraine

All Swedish parliamentary parties are open to sending Swedish soldiers to a peacekeeping operation in Ukraine in the event of a possible peace, reports TT.

Previously, the government has opened up for naval forces or aerial surveillance and Defense Minister Pål Jonson (M) has not ruled out contributing soldiers when asked directly.

Generally, parliamentary approval is required to send an armed force abroad and the parties seem to agree. No one rules out participation by Swedish soldiers when TT asks. At the same time, it is pointed out that the issue has been raised early and that much is still unclear.

Macron: 26 countries in Europe ready for security guarantees

26 countries in Europe are ready to send soldiers to Ukraine to provide the country with security guarantees after a possible ceasefire agreement is reached with Russia. This is what French President Emmanuel Macron said after the so-called coalition of the willing gathered in Paris on Thursday, several media outlets report.

The countries also agreed to increase economic pressure on Russia.

“If Russia continues to reject peace talks, new sanctions will be imposed together with the United States,” he said.

After the meeting in Paris, the leaders called US President Donald Trump. According to Reuters sources in the White House, he said he wanted the EU to stop buying oil from Russia and urged the countries to put economic pressure on China, which he believes is financing Russia’s war.