Saturday, December 4th 2021
Planned attack on Ukraine
Biden does not want to accept Putin’s “red lines”
The deployment of Russian forces near the Ukrainian border creates tension. According to a US media report, Moscow is planning a major offensive with around 175,000 soldiers. The Ukrainian defense minister fears an attack. US President Biden wants to discuss with President Putin.
In the conflict with Ukraine, according to a US media report, Russia is planning an offensive on several fronts with up to 175,000 soldiers in the coming year. According to the Washington Post, citing a senior US government official, Moscow’s plans are to include “extensive movements of a hundred battalions of tactical units with an estimated 175,000 men, along with tanks, artillery and equipment”.
First, the US Department of Defense was “deeply concerned by evidence that Russia has forged plans to take aggressive action against Ukraine.” Washington supports “further de-escalation in the region and a diplomatic solution to the conflict in eastern Ukraine,” said Pentagon spokesman Tony Semelroth. Then US President Joe Biden also spoke up: “What I am doing now is to put together what I believe to be the most comprehensive and significant bundle of initiatives to make it very, very difficult for Mr Putin to move forward and do what people are worried he might do that, “Biden said, according to CNN. “We have long been aware of Russia’s actions and I expect we will have a long discussion,” said Biden, according to the White House press office. He added that he would not accept any “red lines” from Putin. US President Joe Biden and Russian President Putin are scheduled to meet at a video summit next week.
According to the Washington Post report, Russian forces are currently gathering at four points. Accordingly, 50 tactical battle groups as well as tanks and artillery are involved in the deployment of troops. The newspaper was referring to an unspecified US intelligence document. The movements towards and away from the border are intended to obscure the tactical approach and stir up uncertainty.
Moscow denies allegations
In view of a massive deployment of Russian forces on the border with Ukraine, there have long been fears that Russia could attack the neighboring country. Moscow rejects such allegations. In return, the Kremlin accuses Ukraine of letting the West arm itself with military equipment and denounces NATO military maneuvers near the Russian borders.
Ukraine fears an attack by Russia in a few weeks’ time. “The most likely time for escalation is the end of January,” said Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksi Resnikov. The Ukrainian secret service is currently analyzing all possible scenarios.