The United States has warned of a “dangerous path” to war in view of the Russian troop deployment on the border with Ukraine. “This is the largest – hear me loud and clear – mobilization of troops in Europe in decades,” US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the United Nations Security Council in New York on Monday. These are combat units “ready to carry out offensive actions in Ukraine.” Washington does not want a confrontation, but in the event of an invasion of Ukraine, the US would act quickly.
The United States requested the Security Council meeting because they and their Western allies feared a Russian invasion of Ukraine. Washington is demanding a withdrawal of around 100,000 Russian soldiers gathered at the Ukrainian border to the rear. Before the Security Council – in which, in addition to Russia, China, the USA, France and Great Britain can block any internationally binding measures because of their veto rights – concrete solutions to the conflict were not expected. Rather, the United States wanted to use the international stage to send “a clear message” to Moscow with the help of its allies.
At the beginning of the Council meeting, Russia tried to avert the meeting at the last second with a vote. With 10 of the 15 member states, however, enough countries voted for the deliberations. The five permanent members have no right of veto on procedural matters – decisions can then only be made with a majority of at least nine votes. (02/01/2022)
The United States and Russia are at odds in the UN Security Council
Russia has dismissed warnings from the United States about the deployment of troops on the Ukrainian border in the UN Security Council as war hysteria. At the first public confrontation between the two sides before the most powerful UN body, US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield spoke on Monday in New York of the “largest mobilization of troops in Europe in decades”. Russia’s representative Wassili Nebensja replied: “The discussions about the imminent danger of war are provocative in and of themselves. They almost call for it. They want it to happen.”
The Russian diplomat pointed out that his country strictly rejects all allegations of planning an invasion. “And I will now (also) do that.” The West spreads propaganda and operates “megaphone diplomacy”. The US requested the meeting because the West feared a Russian invasion of Ukraine, a former Soviet republic. Russia – like the United States, has always been a UN veto power – could not prevent the session.
Washington is demanding the withdrawal of around 100,000 Russian soldiers from the border into the hinterland. Western diplomats had said beforehand that a renewed and clear Russian refusal to invade the Security Council would have a more official character than previous statements from Moscow. This could be used as a bargaining chip in the conflict.
US Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield dismissed the accusations made by her Russian colleague: “Threats of aggression on the Ukrainian border – yes, on the border – are provocative. Our acknowledgment of the facts on the ground is not provocative.” These are combat units “ready to carry out offensive actions in Ukraine.” (01/31/2022)
Klingbeil: Government and SPD leadership closed on the Russia question
SPD co-leader Lars Klingbeil has rejected the impression that the government and the SPD are at odds over Russia policy. “It’s absolutely clear to us: We’re experiencing an escalation that’s coming from Russia,” said Klingbeil on ARD when asked if there weren’t differences in his party and the traffic light government. “We are very clear that all options are on the table should Russia attack Ukraine,” he added, referring to possible sanctions.
There has been a debate for weeks as to whether there should also be sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. Klingbeil also reacted to controversial statements by former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder (SPD), who had accused Ukraine of saber-rattling. “Many can express themselves, but we as the current SPD leadership make decisions together with Chancellor Olaf Scholz.”
The SPD co-leader has convened an internal party meeting for the afternoon to discuss Russia policy. According to the party, this is a long-term process to bring together the various poles in the largest governing party on Russia policy. Klingbeil referred to a dual approach of determination and dialogue. “We are also clear that it is now a question of organizing peace. I do not want us to get into a situation through threats or actions in which a war situation suddenly arises in Europe – perhaps unintentionally,” said he.
The SPD co-chief had previously rejected arms deliveries to Ukraine. It is right that Scholz and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens) are now leading the way in order to develop diplomatic initiatives from the heart of Europe. (01/31/2022)
Johnson warns Putin against attack on Ukraine
Before a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson again warned against a Russian attack on Ukraine. “I will tell the President that Russia needs to step back from the brink,” Johnson said. “An invasion of Ukraine, any incursion into Ukraine beyond the territory that Russia seized back in 2014, would be an absolute catastrophe for the world, but above all it would be a catastrophe for Russia.” Johnson stressed that NATO member Britain supports Ukraine’s territorial sovereignty. He was sure that the Ukrainians would “fiercely” defend their country.
Johnson is traveling to Ukraine this Tuesday. There he will meet the Ukrainian head of state Volodymyr Zelenskyj, the government said in London. Secretary of State Liz Truss accompanies the Prime Minister. She will soon fly to Moscow for talks. Britain also wants to double the number of its troops in Eastern Europe. On Monday, the British Foreign Office wanted to announce new sanctions against Russia’s “financial and strategic interests”. (01/31/2022)
Estonia demands arms deliveries from Germany
Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas calls on the federal government to take a more active role in defending Ukraine. “We encourage our German partners to listen to the Ukrainians. Ukraine has asked for help. The country needs help in defending itself against the aggressor,” said Kallas image-Zeitung with a view to the discussion about the transfer of artillery pieces from GDR stocks requested by Estonia. “We cannot allow Russia to restore its political and military influence over its neighbors.” Calling Moscow’s demands “a trap” and an “attempt at blackmail,” Kallas called on NATO not to make any concessions on Europe’s security. (01/31/2022)
Stoltenberg excludes NATO combat troops in Ukraine
NATO has clearly ruled out a military operation in Ukraine in the event of a Russian invasion. “We have no plans to deploy NATO combat troops in Ukraine,” NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told the BBC. NATO military trainers are deployed in the ex-Soviet republic, and the alliance is also helping to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities and supplying military equipment.
However, since Ukraine is not a NATO state, the guarantee of 100% security that members can claim does not apply to the country, emphasized Stoltenberg. “For Ukraine, a partner, we provide support and also send the message that if Russia uses force again, there will be severe economic sanctions.”
The Ukrainian army is now “much stronger, much larger and much better equipped” than it was in 2014, said Stoltenberg. At that time, Russia annexed the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea and has been supporting Moscow-loyal separatists in eastern Ukraine ever since. The NATO Secretary General stressed that there was “no certainty” about Russia’s intentions. However, a significant Russian deployment with many troops and heavy military technology can be observed, which is accompanied by “threatening rhetoric”. “There is a real risk and that is exactly why NATO allies are increasing their support for Ukraine. (01/31/2022)