Ukraine
US intelligence agencies expect massive Russian military action
A Ukrainian soldier in a trench on the dividing line with pro-Russian rebels. Photo: Andriy Dubchak / ap / dpa
© dpa-infocom GmbH
What is the reason for moving tens of thousands of Russian soldiers to the border of Ukraine? It is still unclear what Kremlin chief Putin actually wants to achieve with his actions.
According to matching media reports, US secret services expect an imminent Russian military operation on the Ukrainian border with up to 175,000 soldiers.
The “offensive” could begin early next year, reported the Washington Post and the New York Times on Saturday, citing documents from the US secret services and government officials. The intelligence agency findings showed that Russia was preparing for a massive attack on Ukraine, the officials said. However, it is unclear whether Russian President Vladimir Putin actually wants to attack Ukraine.
According to the information, artillery, tanks and other heavy equipment will also be set up at various locations along the Ukrainian border with the relocation of the soldiers. The analysis is based in part on satellite images that showed “newly arrived units” along the border in November, it said.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had accused Russia of preparing an attack just a few days ago. “We are deeply concerned about the evidence that Russia has plans for significant aggressive steps against Ukraine,” said Blinken. The US government has threatened Moscow with massive sanctions in the event of an attack, which would be implemented together with allies.
Ukraine had only warned of a possible attack by Russia on Friday. “The most likely time for escalation readiness is the end of January,” said Defense Minister Oleksiy Resnikov. He named a number of 94,300 Russian soldiers who could be ready for it. It is a “probable scenario” that does not have to occur. According to the US reports, the government in Washington is currently assuming around 70,000 Russian soldiers on the Ukrainian border.
Russia annexed the Ukrainian Black Sea peninsula of Crimea in 2014 after the elected Ukrainian government was violently overthrown in Kiev. Since then, rebels supported by Moscow have been fighting in the east of the country against the now pro-Western government in Kiev.