Russian president Vladimir Putin claimed on Sunday that NATO troops are already active in Ukraine and dying in significant numbers on the battlefield. He asserted that forces from NATO member nations are present in the conflict and that this involvement is a reality, a point he emphasized during a press conference after winning another term as president.
He said that soldiers from NATO countries are there and that their presence is evident. The remarks came as part of his statements following his electoral victory, during which he touched on the current state of the war and the roles different countries are playing in the region.
Putin went further, saying Russian soldiers had overheard opponents speaking in French and English, which, in his view, indicates a direct foreign presence on the battlefield. He argued that this linguistic observation highlights the seriousness of the situation and the losses being suffered by those forces on the other side.
He added that losses among the opposing forces are occurring in large numbers, reinforcing his narrative about the intensity of the conflict and the impact on foreign troops involved in Ukraine.
In discussing the potential for a broader confrontation, Putin warned that many scenarios could unfold in the current global climate. He acknowledged that the world could see a clash involving Russia and the Western alliance, though he did not outline a plan or timeline for such an escalation.
He noted that a confrontation of that scale would push the world toward a possible third global war, a consequence he suggested would be undesirable for all parties involved. He indicated that there is a general agreement among leaders that such a development would be dangerous and undesirable for everyone in the international community.
Additionally, Putin did not rule out the possibility that Russia might be forced to establish a security zone within areas controlled by Kyiv in the northeast Kharkiv region. He described such a measure as a protective buffer intended to reduce attacks directed at Russian territory, though he framed it as a strategic option rather than a definitive plan.
The remarks reflect a broader narrative that has consistently framed the war in Ukraine as a confrontation involving Western powers, with Putin arguing that foreign troops and support have intensified the fighting. His comments come amid ongoing tensions and continued international scrutiny of Russia’s actions and the potential consequences for regional and global security.