Despite Kremlin assertions that forces were being pulled back from the region, Ukrainians resisted Moscow’s demands with a national show of flag-waving solidarity on Wednesday, while the US warned that Russia had added up to 7,000 troops near Ukraine borders.
The prospect of a Russian invasion of Ukraine did not materialize as expected. But the US and its allies maintained that the threat still exists, putting Europe’s security and economic stability in jeopardy.
According to Western estimates, Russia has amassed more than 150,000 troops east, north, and south of Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated that he prefers a peaceful resolution to the problem. US President Joe Biden pledged that diplomacy would be given “every chance,” although he expressed suspicions about Moscow’s intentions. Biden also stated that the US and its allies will not “sacrifice basic principles” when it comes to Ukraine’s sovereignty.
A trainload of armored vehicles was traveling crossing a bridge in the direction of Crimea. It is along the Black Sea peninsula that Russia took from Ukraine in 2014. It further stated that more tank units were being placed onto trains to return to their permanent bases following training activities.
However, Russia continues to conduct war simulations along Ukraine’s borders and across its enormous territory at the same time.
Critical units at the border
A senior US administration official says the West detected that Russia had increased its force by 7,000 troops near Ukraine borders. Some of them arrived as recently as Wednesday. There had been a significant increase in Russians making false claims that the Kremlin could use as a pretext for an invasion.
US secretary of state Antony Blinken while speaking to a US television channel said there was no pullback from Russian troops. “We continue to see critical units moving toward the border, not away from the border,” Blinken added.
Reports of unmarked graves of civilians purportedly killed by Ukrainian forces, accusations that the US and Ukraine are developing biological or chemical weapons, and claims that the West is sending in guerrillas to kill Ukrainians are among the claims, according to the official.
The official talked to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because he is not at authority to speak publicly about sensitive operations. The official provided no supporting evidence for his claims.
The US and Europe continue to threaten heavy penalties. Between the East and the West, trust is still elusive.
Putin can pull the trigger today, tomorrow, next week
“We haven’t seen a pullback,” U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told ABC News. “Putin can pull the trigger. (Putin) He can pull it today. He can pull it tomorrow. He can pull it next week. The forces are there if he wants to renew aggression against Ukraine.”
At least ten Russian battle units are marching towards the Ukrainian border, according to Estonian foreign intelligence service director Mikk Marran.
For months, the Biden administration has warned that Russia is planning an invasion of Ukraine. Russia may launch an attack between mid-January and mid-February, according to the White House.
Russia, according to Marran, might target “key terrain” and begin with missile bombardment. “If Russia is successful in Ukraine,” the Estonian intelligence head stated, “it would encourage Moscow to increase pressure on the Baltics.”
Hours after Russia said it was bringing back some soldiers, President Biden said war with Ukraine was still a possibility. Although over 100,000 Russian troops remain stationed on Ukraine’s border, US President sought verification of Russian troop withdrawal.