Putin says European troop deployment in Ukraine risks direct military confrontation

Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stark warning against the deployment of European troops to Ukraine, arguing that such a move could push the conflict into a direct confrontation between Russia and NATO-backed forces. The comments come amid ongoing debate in several European capitals over long-term security commitments to Kyiv. Moscow has repeatedly framed any foreign troop presence in Ukraine as a major escalation, raising concerns about the risk of a wider conflict in Europe.