The Russian army has begun concentrating military forces and advanced weapons systems near the border with Ukraine in the past month, including advanced cruise missiles, infantry and armored units, fighter jets, helicopters and more.
According to various estimates, Russia has concentrated about one hundred thousand troops on the borders of Ukraine. In recent weeks, Russian forces have carried out military exercises and maneuvers, as observed by NATO and Ukrainian forces in advancing readiness to invade Ukraine.
In the last military campaign between the two countries, Russia invaded Ukraine in 2014, took over the island of Crimea and established a large military base there. Through the mediation of France and Germany, an agreement was signed between Russia and Ukraine in 2015 for the granting of autonomy to territory in Ukraine held by pro-Russian separatists, the holding of local elections in the region and the withdrawal of foreign forces. But the government of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zalansky has refused to move forward with the implementation of the agreement.
Ukraine’s refusal to comply with the details of the peace agreement has led Moscow, according to the Russians, to advance its forces into the region and threaten to invade Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kolba called on NATO and the United States to step up military assistance to the country, and also called for sanctions on Russia, which would prevent it from launching a military campaign against Ukraine.
Ukraine aspires to be a member of the NATO alliance, but for Russia this step is unbearable. , Followed others with concern, and warned Russia not to launch a military campaign against Ukraine.
Blinken noted that the United States does not know whether the Russian president has already decided on an invasion of Ukraine and if so, on a date. Danish Foreign Minister Jaffa Cupod also responded, warning Russia that a Russian invasion of Ukraine would have far-reaching consequences.
In recent days, the Ukrainian president has called on Putin to sit down for negotiations and resolve the conflict without a military campaign. In response, Putin stated last weekend that negotiations could only take place if NATO withdrew its forces from the region, and ceased its threats to Russia.