Putin’s Gambit to Spook Europe: Threatens to Attack Troops in Ukraine

Vladimir Putin is making a calculated gambit to spook European capitals, threatening to attack any of their troops deployed in Ukraine. His warning that such forces would be “legitimate targets” is designed to exploit the continent’s fear of a wider war and derail a French-led security plan.
The plan, which has the support of 26 nations, is to provide Ukraine with a postwar military presence to deter future aggression. This is a key hope for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Putin’s threat is a psychological operation aimed at making the potential costs of this plan seem unbearable.
The gambit appears to be working, as it has amplified the voices of caution across Europe. Key countries like Germany, Spain, and Italy have already stated their refusal to commit troops, demonstrating the effectiveness of Putin’s intimidation tactics.
This psychological warfare is taking place because traditional diplomacy has failed. The peace process is moribund, and there is no trust between the leaders of Russia and Ukraine. In this environment, threats and strategic bluffs have become the dominant form of international relations.