Putin warns Europe that deploying troops to Ukraine could trigger war with Russia

At a news conference coinciding with the BRICS summit in New Delhi, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that European nations sending troops to Ukraine would be tantamount to a war with Russia, while insisting Moscow does not aim to threaten Europe. His statement builds on prior Kremlin attempts to deter Western military support for Kyiv, including French President Emmanuel Macron's call for a "reassuring force" that would not fight Russia but deter aggression.

The coalition behind the Multinational Force for Ukraine says it is prepared to operate on Ukrainian territory if a credible cease-fire emerges. In Norway, the Russian embassy has accused local drone production of raising security risks, and the foreign ministry objected to a U.S. missile system deployed in Trøndelag, warning of heightened attention from Russian forces. A recent poll showed that about a third of Norwegians fear increased Russian activity could spark a NATO-Russia war, while Defence Minister Tore O. Sandvik emphasized readiness without fear, noting Russia's conventional forces remain tied up in Ukraine but its nuclear and Arctic capabilities persist. Security agencies, including PST and the National Security Authority, continue to label Russia the greatest threat to Norwegian and allied security.