Russia-backed separatists are seen at a frontline position near the contact line with Ukrainian forces in the village of Zholobok in the eastern Luhansk region on March 23.
The U.S. military believes a buildup of Russian forces near the border with Ukraine, seen as "concerning" on Tuesday, is likely a training exercise.
But the gathering of troops comes amid heightened tension in the region, and Ukraine's Commander-In-Chief Ruslan Khomchack told his country's parliament this week that Russian forces from different regions had been assembling near the border.
Russia's president has acknowledged an "escalation of armed confrontation" in the region.
Training exercises were always a possible explanation for the buildup, but a U.S. defense official told CBS News that the locations and types of units seen on the ground didn't line up with what the Russian Ministry of Defense had announced last month.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: The Kremlin has responded .... Russia’s internal troop movements should not concern other states, Kremlin says (TASS). More here .... Kremlin says military movements near Ukraine are defensive, pose no threat (Reuters).
As to what is my take on this situation. This sudden Russian deployment is probably an exercise, and a message to the U.S. and Ukraine.
After-all.
In just one month we have U.S. arms shipments to Ukraine growing. Numerous NATO exercises in the Black Sea. Fighting intensifying in Eastern Ukraine. President Biden calling Russian President Putin a killer, vowing punishment against Russia, and in the same sentence saying that Crimea belongs to Ukraine.
Update: This is going to spark an even bigger Russian response .... EUCOM raises threat level for Ukraine as Russia builds up forces (Stars and Stipes).
More News On Russia Deploying Troops And Armor Near The Ukraine Border
Russian Armor Floods Toward Border With Ukraine Amid Fears Of An "Imminent Crisis" -- Warzone/The Drive
Russia confirms deployment of its troops near Ukrainian border -- Defence-Blog
Russia's Ukraine actions escalate again, sparking US anger -- FOX News/AP
U.S. Concerned Over Reported Russian Troop Movements Amid Heightened Tensions In Eastern Ukraine -- RFE
3 comments:
"and in the same sentence saying that Crimea belongs to Ukraine."
And they said Trump was a bull in China shop. Crimea being part of Ukraine is recent development that happened in our lifetimes or shortly before. As such is it scared, a 3rd rail?
There is 3 arguments against considering Crimea as part of Ukraine.
1) Wilsonian / Self Determination: More Russians live there than Ukrainians
2) Crime has only been part of Ukraine since February 5, 1954.
3) Russia gave it away during a moment of weakness. such things do not go down well. Ask the Chinese about unequal treaties.
www.wilsoncenter.org/publication/why-did-russia-give-away-crimea-sixty-years-ago
I could see where Washington want to tweak the nose of the Russian bear. Blinken did get spanked in Anchorage and his butt must still smart.
Crimea is Russian. Whether the US or the "west" likes this or not this is the case. It cannot be changed. Policies that run contrary to geo political realities typically don't end well. Excellent analysis by Anon @ 1:40.
Ukraine controls the water supply to Crimea. Crimeans can access water twice a day. If Russia uses airborne forces to seize waterways in Ukraine that control the water supply to Crimea, then unleash armoured divisions to smash through to link up, now is the time to do it while Biden is in the White House. Keep ducking 🙉
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