Putin warns European troops in Ukraine would equal "war against Russia"

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that any deployment of European troops to Ukraine would be interpreted as "a war against Russia." This statement was made on Friday during an event in New Delhi at the BRICS summit.

Putin emphasized that Russia does not have "the intention to threaten" European countries, stressing that the European military presence in Ukraine would represent an escalation of the ongoing conflict. According to him, the situation is provoked by European leaders who, he claims, are "frightening" their populations with an alleged threat from Russia.

He referred to the notion that the Russian threat is "imaginary" and, therefore, there is no real risk to the security of European countries. Putin made this statement while defending Russia's position in response to any military moves by Europe.

Putin's message seems aimed at deterring any consideration of increasing European military presence in Ukraine. The declaration is part of ongoing rhetoric that Moscow has used to criticize Western intervention in the region and justify its own military presence.

In addition to his statements on the potential deployment of troops, Putin also opposed a meeting between him and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which was scheduled for the G20 meeting in Miami in December. The Kremlin reiterated that such a meeting will not take place.

Finally, Putin's warning has raised discussions about security in the region, with some analysts in the international community interpreting his words in the context of current tensions between Russia and the West. However, the definitive positions of European nations regarding potential military involvement have yet to be revealed.