Russia on Saturday denied reports which claimed Putin's regime was ready to launch an attack on Ukraine with 175,000 troops.

The Washington Post citing US officials reported that Russia was preparing an assault on Ukraine with 100 battalion tactical groups. The report claimed Moscow was planning a multi-front offensive.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-will-happen-if-russian-troops-invade-ukraine-431684">Also Read:&nbsp;What will happen if Russian troops invade Ukraine?</a>

The Russian foreign ministry dismissed the report blaming the US for aggravating the situation around Ukraine even as the Pentagon called for de-escalation.

Watch:&nbsp;Russia's military activity near Ukraine a worry, says General Milley

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russias-military-activity-near-ukraine-triggers-worry-says-us-general-mark-milley-433859/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The current crisis comes as US President Biden prepares to speak to Russian President Putin over the phone on Tuesday.

The US president had said on Friday that his administration was preparing a plan to make it "very, very difficult for Mr Putin to go ahead and do what people are worried he may do."&nbsp;Biden however did not go into the specifics of the plan.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/protests-in-ukraine-as-putin-marks-russias-unity-day-in-crimea-426813">Also Read:&nbsp;Protests in Ukraine as Putin marks Russia's Unity Day in Crimea</a>

Ukraine's defence minister had warned earlier that Russia was preparing to invade in January amid large scale build-up of troops at the border.

On Friday, Putin had hit out against Ukraine's deployment of Turkish drones in a phone call to President Erdogan.

Amid tensions on the Ukrainian border, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov had asked US secretary of state Antony Blinken to provide "security guarantees" that NATO will not extend its borders to Russia even as Ukraine said it won't abandon plans to join the European military alliance.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Russia on Saturday denied reports which claimed Putin's regime was ready to launch an attack on Ukraine with 175,000 troops. The Washington Post citing US officials reported that Russia was preparing an assault on Ukraine with 100 battalion tactical groups.

Russia on Saturday denied reports which claimed Putin's regime was ready to launch an attack on Ukraine with 175,000 troops. The Washington Post citing US officials reported that Russia was preparing an assault on Ukraine with 100 battalion tactical groups. The report claimed Moscow was planning a multi-front offensive. Also Read: What will happen if Russian troops invade Ukraine? The Russian foreign ministry dismissed the report blaming the US for aggravating the situation around Ukraine even as the Pentagon called for de-escalation. Watch: Russia's military activity near Ukraine a worry, says General Milley The current crisis comes as US President Biden prepares to speak to Russian President Putin over the phone on Tuesday. The US president had said on Friday that his administration was preparing a plan to make it "very, very difficult for Mr Putin to go ahead and do what people are worried he may do." Biden however did not go into the specifics of the plan. Also Read: Protests in Ukraine as Putin marks Russia's Unity Day in Crimea Ukraine's defence minister had warned earlier that Russia was preparing to invade in January amid large scale build-up of troops at the border. On Friday, Putin had hit out against Ukraine's deployment of Turkish drones in a phone call to President Erdogan. Amid tensions on the Ukrainian border, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov had asked US secretary of state Antony Blinken to provide "security guarantees" that NATO will not extend its borders to Russia even as Ukraine said it won't abandon plans to join the European military alliance. (With inputs from Agencies)

Russia planning to invade Ukraine with 175,000 troops: Report

President Putin on Friday took aim at Ukraine for deploying Bayraktar unmanned aerial vehicles produced by Turkey during a call with Turkey's President Erdogan as tensions continued at the Russian-Ukraine border.

US President Joe Biden declared his administration was putting together the "most comprehensive and meaningful set of initiatives" to make it "very, very difficult for Mr. Putin to go ahead and do what people are worried he may do" referring to Ukraine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-will-happen-if-russian-troops-invade-ukraine-431684">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;What will happen if Russian troops invade Ukraine?&nbsp;</a>

Biden informed that US government officials were in touch with European allies over the situation at the Ukraine border.&nbsp;

The move comes even as President Putin is set to speak to the US president over a video link next week. Kremlin announced that the date has been agreed but a formal announcement would be made after confirmation from the US side.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/whats-behind-putins-unpreventable-strike-gambit-russias-new-s-500-missile-defence-system-400849">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;What's behind Putin's 'unpreventable strike' gambit</a>

Kyiv has alleged Russia has positioned over 100,000 troops along the border even as Putin has asserted the country has no plans to invade Ukraine and that Russian troops can move around freely anywhere inside its territory.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-russia-tested-s-400-missiles-in-crimea-amid-operation-sea-breeze-in-ukraine-395351">Also Read:&nbsp;Why Russia tested S-400 missiles in Crimea amid operation Sea Breeze in Ukraine</a>

Amid tensions, Ukraine's defence minister declared that Russia was ready for escalation in January raising fears of an invasion while informing that the Putin regime had launched exercises along the border and had started "winter training".

The Biden administration had declared earlier that it had evidence that Russia was set to attack Ukraine despite Kremlin's denial.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

President Putin on Friday took aim at Ukraine for deploying Bayraktar unmanned aerial vehicles produced by Turkey during a call with Turkey's President Erdogan as tensions continued at the Russian-Ukraine border.

President Putin on Friday took aim at Ukraine for deploying Bayraktar unmanned aerial vehicles produced by Turkey during a call with Turkey's President Erdogan as tensions continued at the Russian-Ukraine border. US President Joe Biden declared his administration was putting together the "most comprehensive and meaningful set of initiatives" to make it "very, very difficult for Mr. Putin to go ahead and do what people are worried he may do" referring to Ukraine. Also Read in Pics: What will happen if Russian troops invade Ukraine? Biden informed that US government officials were in touch with European allies over the situation at the Ukraine border. The move comes even as President Putin is set to speak to the US president over a video link next week. Kremlin announced that the date has been agreed but a formal announcement would be made after confirmation from the US side. Also Read in Pics: What's behind Putin's 'unpreventable strike' gambit Kyiv has alleged Russia has positioned over 100,000 troops along the border even as Putin has asserted the country has no plans to invade Ukraine and that Russian troops can move around freely anywhere inside its territory. Also Read: Why Russia tested S-400 missiles in Crimea amid operation Sea Breeze in Ukraine Amid tensions, Ukraine's defence minister declared that Russia was ready for escalation in January raising fears of an invasion while informing that the Putin regime had launched exercises along the border and had started "winter training". The Biden administration had declared earlier that it had evidence that Russia was set to attack Ukraine despite Kremlin's denial. (With inputs from Agencies)

Biden prepares plan to protect Ukraine; Putin slams drone deployment at border

Amid tensions with Russia at the border, Ukraine's defence minister said Russia is ready for "large scale escalation" at the end of January.

Ukraine's defence minister Oleksii Reznikov warned that the country's intelligence sources have analysed the "worst" scenario.

Kyiv has been warning about a possible invasion by Russia for weeks amid reports of troop movement inside the country although Putin has dismissed reports of an invasion asserting that it had the right to move troops inside its territory.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-will-happen-if-russian-troops-invade-ukraine-431684">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;What will happen if Russian troops invade Ukraine?&nbsp;</a>

Reznikov added that Russia had gathered over 94,000 troops near Ukraine's border while asserting that it was ready to fight back if an attack was launched by Putin's regime. Kremlin described Ukraine's allegation as "nonsense".

The country's defence minister said efforts are underway to build naval bases around Crimea to fortify its defences.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/whats-behind-putins-unpreventable-strike-gambit-russias-new-s-500-missile-defence-system-400849">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;What's behind Putin's 'unpreventable strike' gambit</a>

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov had earlier asked Antony Blinken to ensure NATO will not extend its influence to its border amid tensions with Ukraine.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-russia-tested-s-400-missiles-in-crimea-amid-operation-sea-breeze-in-ukraine-395351">Also Read:&nbsp;Why Russia tested S-400 missiles in Crimea amid operation Sea Breeze in Ukraine</a>

The US secretary of state had warned Russia over its alleged plan to invade Ukraine even as reports said Kremlin announced President Putin and US President Biden are set to talk over a video link in the next few days.

Kremlin said it has a "concrete" date and time for the two presidents to talk over the video link. Apart from Ukraine, the two leaders may also speak on Afghanistan, Libya and the summit in Geneva in June among other issues.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid tensions with Russia at the border, Ukraine's defence minister said Russia is ready for "large scale escalation" at the end of January. Ukraine's defence minister Oleksii Reznikov warned that the country's intelligence sources have analysed the "worst" scenario.

Amid tensions with Russia at the border, Ukraine's defence minister said Russia is ready for "large scale escalation" at the end of January. Ukraine's defence minister Oleksii Reznikov warned that the country's intelligence sources have analysed the "worst" scenario. Kyiv has been warning about a possible invasion by Russia for weeks amid reports of troop movement inside the country although Putin has dismissed reports of an invasion asserting that it had the right to move troops inside its territory. Also Read in Pics: What will happen if Russian troops invade Ukraine? Reznikov added that Russia had gathered over 94,000 troops near Ukraine's border while asserting that it was ready to fight back if an attack was launched by Putin's regime. Kremlin described Ukraine's allegation as "nonsense". The country's defence minister said efforts are underway to build naval bases around Crimea to fortify its defences. Also Read in Pics: What's behind Putin's 'unpreventable strike' gambit Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov had earlier asked Antony Blinken to ensure NATO will not extend its influence to its border amid tensions with Ukraine. Also Read: Why Russia tested S-400 missiles in Crimea amid operation Sea Breeze in Ukraine The US secretary of state had warned Russia over its alleged plan to invade Ukraine even as reports said Kremlin announced President Putin and US President Biden are set to talk over a video link in the next few days. Kremlin said it has a "concrete" date and time for the two presidents to talk over the video link. Apart from Ukraine, the two leaders may also speak on Afghanistan, Libya and the summit in Geneva in June among other issues. (With inputs from Agencies)

Large scale escalation from Russia in January, warns Ukraine's defence minister

Russian intelligence chief on Saturday dismissed reports of a possible invasion of Ukraine asserting that it was "malicious propaganda by the US State Department".

NATO and Western officials have for weeks raised alarm over unusual Russian troop movements near the border even as Putin's regime has insisted it is free to move its troops inside the country.

Sergei Naryshkin, head of Russia's foreign intelligence agency&nbsp;told the local television channel that an invasion was "not going to happen".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-far-would-biden-go-to-defend-ukraine-against-russia-431975">Also Read:&nbsp;How far would Biden go to defend Ukraine against Russia?</a>

Meanwhile, President Biden indicated that he may speak to Ukraine and Russian leaders to diffuse the crisis.&nbsp;

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky had earlier warned of "escalation" of the present situation with Russia as he accused Moscow of "very dangerous rhetoric".

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg had warned Russia of "consequences" if it used force against Ukraine while asserting that Moscow had resorted to "unprovoked and unexplained" buildup at the border.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alarmed-by-us-arms-push-for-ukraine-says-kremlin-431294">Also Read: Alarmed by US arms push for Ukraine, says Kremlin</a>

Russia had earlier amassed nearly 100,000 troops along Ukraine's border in April but had pulled them back without incident.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hysteria-is-being-whipped-up-artificially-says-russia-over-ukraine-conflict-431009">Also Read:&nbsp;Hysteria is being whipped up artificially, says Russia over Ukraine conflict</a>

In a bid&nbsp;to de-escalate tensions, Russian general Valery Gerasimov and Mark Milley spoke on the phone as Pentagon described the talks as a move towards "risk reduction and operational de-confliction".

The United States had earlier sent two patrol boats to the Ukrainian navy amid esclating tensions with Russia.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Russian intelligence chief on Saturday dismissed reports of a possible invasion of Ukraine asserting that it was "malicious propaganda by the US State Department".

Russian intelligence chief on Saturday dismissed reports of a possible invasion of Ukraine asserting that it was "malicious propaganda by the US State Department". NATO and Western officials have for weeks raised alarm over unusual Russian troop movements near the border even as Putin's regime has insisted it is free to move its troops inside the country. Sergei Naryshkin, head of Russia's foreign intelligence agency told the local television channel that an invasion was "not going to happen". Also Read: How far would Biden go to defend Ukraine against Russia? Meanwhile, President Biden indicated that he may speak to Ukraine and Russian leaders to diffuse the crisis. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky had earlier warned of "escalation" of the present situation with Russia as he accused Moscow of "very dangerous rhetoric". NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg had warned Russia of "consequences" if it used force against Ukraine while asserting that Moscow had resorted to "unprovoked and unexplained" buildup at the border. Also Read: Alarmed by US arms push for Ukraine, says Kremlin Russia had earlier amassed nearly 100,000 troops along Ukraine's border in April but had pulled them back without incident. Also Read: Hysteria is being whipped up artificially, says Russia over Ukraine conflict In a bid to de-escalate tensions, Russian general Valery Gerasimov and Mark Milley spoke on the phone as Pentagon described the talks as a move towards "risk reduction and operational de-confliction". The United States had earlier sent two patrol boats to the Ukrainian navy amid esclating tensions with Russia. (With inputs from Agencies)

'Malicious propaganda': Russian spy chief dismisses reports of plan to invade Ukraine

As the Biden administration sent patrol boats to help the Ukrainian Navy counter Russia's naval might, US secretary of state Antony Blinken said he has "real concerns about Russia's unusual military activity".

"We don't know what President Putin's intentions are. But we do know what's happened in the past. We know the playbook of trying to cite some illusory provocation from Ukraine or any other country and using that as an excuse for what Russia plans to do all along," Blinken remarked.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-reports-of-russian-troop-build-up-in-ukraine-cia-chief-met-putin-in-moscow-427845">Also Read | Amid reports of Russian troop build-up in Ukraine, CIA chief met Putin in Moscow</a>

Putin's regime had annexed Crimea in 2014. Putin had said recently that Western partners were "escalating the situation by supplying Kiev with lethal modern weapons and conducting provocative manoeuvres in the Black Sea."

The Black Sea around the Crimea peninsula has become a sensitive strategic region amid tensions with Ukraine.

The White House had earlier urged Russia to "de-escalate tensions" with Ukraine.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-monitoring-reports-of-unusual-russian-troop-activity-near-ukraine-pentagon-425982">Also Read |&nbsp;US monitoring reports of ‘unusual’ Russian troop activity near Ukraine: Pentagon</a>

Blinken added that he is "concerned" over Russia's "rhetoric" as the US sent patrol boats to Ukraine's Odesa port as part of a security package. Ukraine's foreign ministry had expressed concern over Russia's "aggressiveness" while asserting that it had moved troops along the border&nbsp;alleging that it was countering "hybrid threats".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/return-crimea-to-ukraine-stop-cyber-attacks-on-america-us-tells-russia-422168">Also Read |&nbsp;&nbsp;Return Crimea to Ukraine, stop cyber attacks on America: US tells Russia&nbsp;</a>

Earlier this year, Russia had amassed thousands of troops along the border with Ukraine before pulling them back.

The tensions along the border between Poland and Belarus had spilled over to Ukraine as authorities&nbsp;warned migrants would be pushed back if they tried to cross the border.&nbsp;Ukraine's interior minister Denys Monastyrsky threatened to use firearms against the migrants.

(With inputs from Agencies)

As the Biden administration sent patrol boats to help the Ukrainian Navy counter Russia's naval might, US secretary of state Antony Blinken said he has "real concerns about Russia's unusual military activity".

As the Biden administration sent patrol boats to help the Ukrainian Navy counter Russia's naval might, US secretary of state Antony Blinken said he has "real concerns about Russia's unusual military activity". "We don't know what President Putin's intentions are. But we do know what's happened in the past. We know the playbook of trying to cite some illusory provocation from Ukraine or any other country and using that as an excuse for what Russia plans to do all along," Blinken remarked. Also Read | Amid reports of Russian troop build-up in Ukraine, CIA chief met Putin in Moscow Putin's regime had annexed Crimea in 2014. Putin had said recently that Western partners were "escalating the situation by supplying Kiev with lethal modern weapons and conducting provocative manoeuvres in the Black Sea." The Black Sea around the Crimea peninsula has become a sensitive strategic region amid tensions with Ukraine. The White House had earlier urged Russia to "de-escalate tensions" with Ukraine. Also Read | US monitoring reports of ‘unusual’ Russian troop activity near Ukraine: Pentagon Blinken added that he is "concerned" over Russia's "rhetoric" as the US sent patrol boats to Ukraine's Odesa port as part of a security package. Ukraine's foreign ministry had expressed concern over Russia's "aggressiveness" while asserting that it had moved troops along the border alleging that it was countering "hybrid threats". Also Read | Return Crimea to Ukraine, stop cyber attacks on America: US tells Russia Earlier this year, Russia had amassed thousands of troops along the border with Ukraine before pulling them back. The tensions along the border between Poland and Belarus had spilled over to Ukraine as authorities warned migrants would be pushed back if they tried to cross the border. Ukraine's interior minister Denys Monastyrsky threatened to use firearms against the migrants. (With inputs from Agencies)

Don't know about President Putin's intentions: Blinken on Ukraine 'provocation'

Ahead of the G7 foreign ministers meet, UK's foreign minister Liz Truss said Russia would be committing a "strategic mistake" if it attacked Ukraine.

Truss said there would be "severe consequences if anything were to happen" referring to Russia's reported plan to attack Ukraine which has been dominated the European agenda in the past month.

The UK foreign minister also expressed concern over the Nordstream 2 natural gas pipeline project.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-will-happen-if-russian-troops-invade-ukraine-431684">Read in Pics:&nbsp;What will happen if Russian troops invade Ukraine?</a>

"Nordstream 2 is very important," Truss said, adding, "moving ahead with that in the case of this aggression that we're seeing by Russia with respect to Ukraine would be a problem."

Watch: President Biden reaffirms support for Ukraine in call with Zelenskyy

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-president-joe-biden-reaffirms-support-for-ukraine-in-call-with-volodymyr-zelenskyy-435814/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

President Biden during a virtual summit with President Putin had threatened sanctions if Russia attacked Ukraine with the UK foreign minister retreating that trade ties with London would be hit if the Ukraine situation went out of control.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-chief-jens-stoltenberg-turns-down-russias-demand-to-deny-ukraine-entry-436007">Also Read:&nbsp;NATO chief&nbsp;turns down Russia's demand to deny Ukraine entry</a>

President Biden had spoken to &nbsp;Germany's new chancellor Olaf Scholz on the tensions between Ukraine and Russia.

"We need to come together strongly to stand up to aggressors who are seeking to limit the bounds of freedom and democracy," Truss said.

India, South Korea, Australia and South Africa are set to participate as guests during the G7 summit.

Russia had said earlier that NATO should not allow Georgia and Ukraine into its military alliance and desist from expanding near its border in the east.

"In the fundamental interests of European security, it is necessary to officially disavow the decision of the 2008 NATO Bucharest summit that 'Ukraine and Georgia will become NATO members," the Russian foreign ministry said.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Ahead of the G7 foreign ministers meet, UK's foreign minister Liz Truss said Russia would be committing a "strategic mistake" if it attacked Ukraine. Truss said there would be "severe consequences if anything were to happen" referring to Russia's reported plan to attack Ukraine which has been dominated the European agenda in the past month.

Ahead of the G7 foreign ministers meet, UK's foreign minister Liz Truss said Russia would be committing a "strategic mistake" if it attacked Ukraine. Truss said there would be "severe consequences if anything were to happen" referring to Russia's reported plan to attack Ukraine which has been dominated the European agenda in the past month. The UK foreign minister also expressed concern over the Nordstream 2 natural gas pipeline project. Read in Pics: What will happen if Russian troops invade Ukraine? "Nordstream 2 is very important," Truss said, adding, "moving ahead with that in the case of this aggression that we're seeing by Russia with respect to Ukraine would be a problem." Watch: President Biden reaffirms support for Ukraine in call with Zelenskyy President Biden during a virtual summit with President Putin had threatened sanctions if Russia attacked Ukraine with the UK foreign minister retreating that trade ties with London would be hit if the Ukraine situation went out of control. Also Read: NATO chief turns down Russia's demand to deny Ukraine entry President Biden had spoken to Germany's new chancellor Olaf Scholz on the tensions between Ukraine and Russia. "We need to come together strongly to stand up to aggressors who are seeking to limit the bounds of freedom and democracy," Truss said. India, South Korea, Australia and South Africa are set to participate as guests during the G7 summit. Russia had said earlier that NATO should not allow Georgia and Ukraine into its military alliance and desist from expanding near its border in the east. "In the fundamental interests of European security, it is necessary to officially disavow the decision of the 2008 NATO Bucharest summit that 'Ukraine and Georgia will become NATO members," the Russian foreign ministry said. (With inputs from Agencies)

UK warns Russia on 'strategic mistake' over military action in Ukraine

As Russia and Ukraine tensions at the border continue, US President Joe Biden said Putin "has to do something" while adding that "my guess is he will move in".

"What I'm concerned about is this could get out of hand, very easily get out of hand&nbsp;because of the borders of Ukraine and what Russia may or may not do," the US president&nbsp;said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-could-potentially-attack-ukraine-from-belarus-us-state-department-official-445848">Also Read |&nbsp;Russia could potentially attack Ukraine from Belarus: US State Department official</a>

Biden expressed fears that if Russia attacked Ukraine there could be "short of a full-blown nuclear war".

"He's not in a very good position to dominate the world," Biden said referring to Putin. The US president added that a summit to defuse the Ukraine crisis could be a "possibility" while also warning of heavy human casualties in case of a war.

Watch:&nbsp;Ukraine on target of Russian nukes?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-ukraine-on-target-of-russian-nukes-446038/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Thousands of Russian troops have massed at the border worrying the US and Ukraine. Putin had dismissed reports that his troops are set to attack Ukraine asserting that soldiers can move around anywhere inside the border.

"It's one thing if it's a minor incursion, and then we end up having a fight about what to do and not do," Biden said.

However, the White House warned that Russia could launch an attack on Ukraine between mid-January and mid-February as&nbsp; 
White House press secretary Jen Psaki said an attack on Ukraine "will be met with a swift, severe, and united response from the United States and our allies."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-thins-out-its-embassy-in-ukraine-a-possible-clue-to-putins-next-move-445656">Also Read:&nbsp;Russia thins out its embassy in Ukraine, a possible clue to Putin’s next move</a>

"If they actually do what they're capable of doing with the force they've massed on the border, it is going to be a disaster for Russia," Biden said, adding that his administration was ready to impose "severe costs" and that there would be "significant damage" to the Russian economy.

(With inputs from Agencies)

As Russia and Ukraine tensions at the border continue, US President Joe Biden said Putin "has to do something" while adding that "my guess is he will move in". "What I'm concerned about is this could get out of hand, very easily get out of hand because of the borders of Ukraine and what Russia may or may not do," the US president said.

As Russia and Ukraine tensions at the border continue, US President Joe Biden said Putin "has to do something" while adding that "my guess is he will move in". "What I'm concerned about is this could get out of hand, very easily get out of hand because of the borders of Ukraine and what Russia may or may not do," the US president said. Also Read | Russia could potentially attack Ukraine from Belarus: US State Department official Biden expressed fears that if Russia attacked Ukraine there could be "short of a full-blown nuclear war". "He's not in a very good position to dominate the world," Biden said referring to Putin. The US president added that a summit to defuse the Ukraine crisis could be a "possibility" while also warning of heavy human casualties in case of a war. Watch: Ukraine on target of Russian nukes? Thousands of Russian troops have massed at the border worrying the US and Ukraine. Putin had dismissed reports that his troops are set to attack Ukraine asserting that soldiers can move around anywhere inside the border. "It's one thing if it's a minor incursion, and then we end up having a fight about what to do and not do," Biden said. However, the White House warned that Russia could launch an attack on Ukraine between mid-January and mid-February as White House press secretary Jen Psaki said an attack on Ukraine "will be met with a swift, severe, and united response from the United States and our allies." Also Read: Russia thins out its embassy in Ukraine, a possible clue to Putin’s next move "If they actually do what they're capable of doing with the force they've massed on the border, it is going to be a disaster for Russia," Biden said, adding that his administration was ready to impose "severe costs" and that there would be "significant damage" to the Russian economy. (With inputs from Agencies)

'Severe costs': My guess is he will move in, says Biden on Putin's Ukraine invasion plan

The US State Department said on Thursday that secretary of state Antony Blinken told Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi that Russian aggression towards Ukraine would lead to "global security and economic risks".

Blinken told the Chinese foreign minister that "de-escalation and diplomacy" was the only way to resolve the crisis.

The US has repeatedly warned that Russia has massed over 100,000 along the Ukraine border with the intention to invade the country even as President Putin has dismissed the allegation asserting that Russian troops can move around anywhere inside the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-crisis-us-responds-to-russian-demands-upholds-natos-open-door-policy-447955">Also Read:&nbsp;US responds to Russian demands, upholds NATO's 'open-door' policy</a>

Russia had submitted a security document to the United States and NATO last month directing them not to extend their border to Russia's eastern region referring to Ukraine's participation in the European military alliance.&nbsp;

The Biden administration has however&nbsp;rejected Russia's security demand while calling for a diplomatic solution.

"From our perspective, I can't be more clear -&nbsp;NATO's door is open, remains open, and that is our commitment," Blinken said while clarifying NATO's stand on future membership for Ukraine.

Watch:

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The Chinese foreign ministry backing Russia said the country's&nbsp;"reasonable security concerns should be taken seriously and resolved" while informing Wang told Blinken that "regional security cannot be guaranteed by strengthening or even expanding military blocs". &nbsp;

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Ukraine and Russian officials met in&nbsp;Paris on Wednesday and agreed to meet in Berlin again in two weeks. Ukraine described it as "good news".

"Russia is likely to remain on a diplomatic track," Ukraine's foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba said.

NATO has put 8,500 troops on standby amid escalating tensions at the border between Ukraine and Russia. The US and EU have warned Russia of consequences including severe sanctions if Putin's regime invades Ukraine as NATO secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg said the alliance is "prepared for the worst".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-normandy-format-talks-and-how-it-can-ease-russia-ukraine-crisis-447836">Also Read:&nbsp;Normandy Format talks and how it can ease Russia-Ukraine crisis</a>

Meanwhile, Ukraine's interior ministry said at least five people were killed after a national guard soldier opened fire at an aerospace factory in Dnipro after an attacker fired with a rifle and fled the area.

(With inputs from Agencies)

The US State Department said on Thursday that secretary of state Antony Blinken told Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi that Russian aggression towards Ukraine would lead to "global security and economic risks".

The US State Department said on Thursday that secretary of state Antony Blinken told Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi that Russian aggression towards Ukraine would lead to "global security and economic risks". Blinken told the Chinese foreign minister that "de-escalation and diplomacy" was the only way to resolve the crisis. The US has repeatedly warned that Russia has massed over 100,000 along the Ukraine border with the intention to invade the country even as President Putin has dismissed the allegation asserting that Russian troops can move around anywhere inside the country. Also Read: US responds to Russian demands, upholds NATO's 'open-door' policy Russia had submitted a security document to the United States and NATO last month directing them not to extend their border to Russia's eastern region referring to Ukraine's participation in the European military alliance. The Biden administration has however rejected Russia's security demand while calling for a diplomatic solution. "From our perspective, I can't be more clear - NATO's door is open, remains open, and that is our commitment," Blinken said while clarifying NATO's stand on future membership for Ukraine. Watch: The Chinese foreign ministry backing Russia said the country's "reasonable security concerns should be taken seriously and resolved" while informing Wang told Blinken that "regional security cannot be guaranteed by strengthening or even expanding military blocs". Meanwhile, Ukraine and Russian officials met in Paris on Wednesday and agreed to meet in Berlin again in two weeks. Ukraine described it as "good news". "Russia is likely to remain on a diplomatic track," Ukraine's foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba said. NATO has put 8,500 troops on standby amid escalating tensions at the border between Ukraine and Russia. The US and EU have warned Russia of consequences including severe sanctions if Putin's regime invades Ukraine as NATO secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg said the alliance is "prepared for the worst". Also Read: Normandy Format talks and how it can ease Russia-Ukraine crisis Meanwhile, Ukraine's interior ministry said at least five people were killed after a national guard soldier opened fire at an aerospace factory in Dnipro after an attacker fired with a rifle and fled the area. (With inputs from Agencies)

Russia's security concerns should be taken seriously: China tells US on Ukraine crisis

According to reports, US President Joe Biden has asked his team of meteorologists to look at the Ukraine weather with Russia reportedly planning an invasion.&nbsp;

Reports claim President Putin has pushed back plans to invade Ukraine&nbsp;due to the mild winter condictions in the area.

The United States has been warning for the past two months that Russia is set to launch an attack on Ukraine as President Putin massed thousands of troops at the border.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/slew-of-disputes-between-former-cold-war-adversaries-us-and-russia-443661">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Slew of disputes between former Cold War adversaries US and Russia</a>

The Russian president has rejected reports while asserting that his defence forces have the right to move soldiers anywhere inside its territory.

Reports claim Russia was set to launch military action in January however the warm weather has reportedly "delayed" plans.

Watch:&nbsp;Russian troops conduct live-fire exercises near Ukraine

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/3000-russian-troops-conducts-live-fire-exercises-near-ukraine-amid-invasion-fears-444013/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Amid tensions at the border, talks have been underway between the United States and Russia in Geneva to de-escalate tensions. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the talks were held in an "open, substantive and direct manner".

However, the Russian side added that there were "no clear deadlines" while adding that it won't be "satisfied with the endless dragging out of this process".

Kremlin had earlier sent a security document to the US and NATO listing its concerns. Russia had demanded that&nbsp;the European military alliance should not extend to its eastern border, a claim often reiterated by Putin.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/rebel-held-regions-of-eastern-ukraine-are-growing-closer-to-russia-437500">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Rebel-held regions of eastern Ukraine are growing closer to Russia</a>

US deputy secretary of state Wendy Sherman while rejecting Russia's proposals had said it was "non-starters to the United States". Russia has declared Ukraine's NATO membership is a "red line".

Tensions continue to simmer at the border as Russia conducted live-fire exercises with tanks along the Ukrainian border on Tuesday even as the US urged Russia to pull back troops.

(With inputs from Agencies)

According to reports, US President Joe Biden has asked his team of meteorologists to look at the Ukraine weather with Russia reportedly planning an invasion. Reports claim President Putin has pushed back plans to invade Ukraine due to the mild winter condictions in the area.

According to reports, US President Joe Biden has asked his team of meteorologists to look at the Ukraine weather with Russia reportedly planning an invasion. Reports claim President Putin has pushed back plans to invade Ukraine due to the mild winter condictions in the area. The United States has been warning for the past two months that Russia is set to launch an attack on Ukraine as President Putin massed thousands of troops at the border. Also Read in Pics: Slew of disputes between former Cold War adversaries US and Russia The Russian president has rejected reports while asserting that his defence forces have the right to move soldiers anywhere inside its territory. Reports claim Russia was set to launch military action in January however the warm weather has reportedly "delayed" plans. Watch: Russian troops conduct live-fire exercises near Ukraine Amid tensions at the border, talks have been underway between the United States and Russia in Geneva to de-escalate tensions. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the talks were held in an "open, substantive and direct manner". However, the Russian side added that there were "no clear deadlines" while adding that it won't be "satisfied with the endless dragging out of this process". Kremlin had earlier sent a security document to the US and NATO listing its concerns. Russia had demanded that the European military alliance should not extend to its eastern border, a claim often reiterated by Putin. Also Read in Pics: Rebel-held regions of eastern Ukraine are growing closer to Russia US deputy secretary of state Wendy Sherman while rejecting Russia's proposals had said it was "non-starters to the United States". Russia has declared Ukraine's NATO membership is a "red line". Tensions continue to simmer at the border as Russia conducted live-fire exercises with tanks along the Ukrainian border on Tuesday even as the US urged Russia to pull back troops. (With inputs from Agencies)

Biden enlists meteorologists to predict Russia's Ukraine invasion plan: Report

For years, US&nbsp;officials have tiptoed around the question of how much military support to provide to Ukraine, for fear of provoking Russia.

Now, in what would be a major turnaround, senior Biden administration officials are warning that the United States could throw its weight behind a Ukrainian insurgency should President Vladimir Putin of Russia invade Ukraine.

How the United States, which just exited two decades of war in Afghanistan, might pivot to funding and supporting an insurgency from fighting one is still being worked out. But even a conversation about how far the United States would go to subvert Russian aims in the event of an invasion has revived the spectre of a new Cold War and suddenly made real the prospect of the beginnings of a so-called great power conflict.

In Afghanistan, the United States showed itself to be dismal at fighting insurgencies. But when it comes to funding them, military experts say it is a different ballgame.

President Joe Biden has not determined how the United States might arm insurgents in Ukraine who would conduct what would amount to a guerrilla war against Russian military occupation. Nor is it clear what Russia’s next move might be, or whether Putin intends to launch a cyberattack. On Friday, hackers brought down several Ukrainian government websites after days of talks between Russia and the West about the crisis.

But Biden administration officials have begun signalling to Russia, which has massed about 100,000 troops at its borders with Ukraine, that even if it managed to swiftly capture territory, Putin would eventually find the costs of an invasion prohibitively expensive in terms of military losses.

“If Putin invades Ukraine with a major military force, US&nbsp;and NATO military assistance — intelligence, cyber, anti-armour and anti-air weapons, offensive naval missiles — would ratchet up significantly,” said James Stavridis, a retired four-star Navy admiral who was the supreme allied commander at NATO. “And if it turned into a Ukrainian insurgency, Putin should realize that after fighting insurgencies ourselves for two decades, we know how to arm, train and energize them.”

He pointed to U.S. support for the mujahedeen in Afghanistan against the Soviet invasion there in the late 1970s and 1980s, before the rise of the Taliban. “The level of military support” for a Ukrainian insurgence, Stavridis said, “would make our efforts in Afghanistan against the Soviet Union look puny by comparison.”

Both Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Gen. Mark Milley, chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, have warned their Russian counterparts in recent telephone calls that any swift Russian victory in Ukraine would probably be followed by a bloody insurgency similar to the one that drove the Soviet Union from Afghanistan. In discussions with allies, senior Biden officials have also made clear that the CIA (covertly) and the Pentagon (overtly) would both seek to help any Ukrainian insurgency.

Administration officials interviewed this week said that plans to help Ukrainian insurgents could include providing training in nearby countries that are part of NATO’s eastern flank: Poland, Romania and Slovakia, which could enable insurgents to slip in and out of Ukraine. Beyond logistical support and weapons, the United States and NATO allies could also provide medical equipment, services and even sanctuary during Russian offensives. The United States would almost certainly supply weapons, the officials said.

Since Russia invaded Crimea in 2014, successive US&nbsp;administrations have taken pains to limit military support to Ukraine largely to defensive weaponry. The United States has provided about $2.5 billion in military aid to Kyiv, including anti-tank missiles and radar that enables the Ukrainian military to better spot sources of artillery fire. The assistance has also included patrol boats and communications equipment.

The United States is also moving toward providing Ukraine with battlefield intelligence that could help the country more quickly respond to an invasion, senior administration officials said.

But all of that aid has been calibrated not to provoke Putin, officials said. If Russian troops crossed the border, the officials said, the United States could offer offensive weaponry and training.

“Given the right equipment and tactics, Ukraine can dramatically reduce the chances of a successful invasion,” a former Ukrainian defence minister, Andriy Zagorodnyuk, wrote in an op-ed for the Atlantic Council on Sunday that reads like an instructional manual for how the United States can support an insurgency. “By combining serving military units with combat veterans, reservists, territorial defence units and large numbers of volunteers, Ukraine can create tens of thousands of small and highly mobile groups capable of attacking Russian forces. This will make it virtually impossible for the Kremlin to establish any kind of administration over occupied areas or secure its lines of supply.”

But it is difficult to know whether Ukrainians would be willing to start an insurgency campaign that could drag on for years or even decades. Some Ukraine experts point to Crimea, where there has been little armed resistance since Russia invaded. And Putin could limit his siege to the eastern parts of Ukraine, which lean more pro-Russian than the West.

A Western military adviser to the Ukrainians said that details of a specific resistance there remained a closely held secret. But already, particularly in the West, Ukrainians are joining territorial defence forces that train in guerrilla tactics.

The Biden administration and its NATO allies want to capitalize on any distaste the Russian body politic might have for troop casualties, U.S. and European officials said in interviews. The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss planning.

Funding and supporting an insurgency is difficult, defence planners and military experts said. It requires developing a long-game mindset and keeping up morale among fighters in the face of a state-sanctioned enemy that is backed by heavy weaponry.

Russian retaliation against Ukrainian insurgents is likely to be “swift, direct and very brutal,” said Seth G. Jones, director of the international security program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. “It’s likely to get bloody.”

Jones also suggested that Russia might start to build some type of wall along Ukraine’s borders with NATO countries, putting a new Iron Curtain in place.

But Evelyn Farkas, who was the deputy assistant secretary of defence for Russia, Ukraine and Eurasia in the Obama administration, when Russia invaded Crimea, recalled a debate at the time about how tough the United States could be with Russia without provoking further action. Eight years later, she noted that Putin is still threatening the country’s sovereignty.

She said that this time around, “I think the gloves should come off.”

For years, US officials have tiptoed around the question of how much military support to provide to Ukraine, for fear of provoking Russia. Now, in what would be a major turnaround, senior Biden administration officials are warning that the United States could throw its weight behind a Ukrainian insurgency should President Vladimir Putin of Russia invade Ukraine.

For years, US officials have tiptoed around the question of how much military support to provide to Ukraine, for fear of provoking Russia. Now, in what would be a major turnaround, senior Biden administration officials are warning that the United States could throw its weight behind a Ukrainian insurgency should President Vladimir Putin of Russia invade Ukraine. How the United States, which just exited two decades of war in Afghanistan, might pivot to funding and supporting an insurgency from fighting one is still being worked out. But even a conversation about how far the United States would go to subvert Russian aims in the event of an invasion has revived the spectre of a new Cold War and suddenly made real the prospect of the beginnings of a so-called great power conflict. In Afghanistan, the United States showed itself to be dismal at fighting insurgencies. But when it comes to funding them, military experts say it is a different ballgame. President Joe Biden has not determined how the United States might arm insurgents in Ukraine who would conduct what would amount to a guerrilla war against Russian military occupation. Nor is it clear what Russia’s next move might be, or whether Putin intends to launch a cyberattack. On Friday, hackers brought down several Ukrainian government websites after days of talks between Russia and the West about the crisis. But Biden administration officials have begun signalling to Russia, which has massed about 100,000 troops at its borders with Ukraine, that even if it managed to swiftly capture territory, Putin would eventually find the costs of an invasion prohibitively expensive in terms of military losses. “If Putin invades Ukraine with a major military force, US and NATO military assistance — intelligence, cyber, anti-armour and anti-air weapons, offensive naval missiles — would ratchet up significantly,” said James Stavridis, a retired four-star Navy admiral who was the supreme allied commander at NATO. “And if it turned into a Ukrainian insurgency, Putin should realize that after fighting insurgencies ourselves for two decades, we know how to arm, train and energize them.” He pointed to U.S. support for the mujahedeen in Afghanistan against the Soviet invasion there in the late 1970s and 1980s, before the rise of the Taliban. “The level of military support” for a Ukrainian insurgence, Stavridis said, “would make our efforts in Afghanistan against the Soviet Union look puny by comparison.” Both Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Gen. Mark Milley, chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, have warned their Russian counterparts in recent telephone calls that any swift Russian victory in Ukraine would probably be followed by a bloody insurgency similar to the one that drove the Soviet Union from Afghanistan. In discussions with allies, senior Biden officials have also made clear that the CIA (covertly) and the Pentagon (overtly) would both seek to help any Ukrainian insurgency. Administration officials interviewed this week said that plans to help Ukrainian insurgents could include providing training in nearby countries that are part of NATO’s eastern flank: Poland, Romania and Slovakia, which could enable insurgents to slip in and out of Ukraine. Beyond logistical support and weapons, the United States and NATO allies could also provide medical equipment, services and even sanctuary during Russian offensives. The United States would almost certainly supply weapons, the officials said. Since Russia invaded Crimea in 2014, successive US administrations have taken pains to limit military support to Ukraine largely to defensive weaponry. The United States has provided about $2.5 billion in military aid to Kyiv, including anti-tank missiles and radar that enables the Ukrainian military to better spot sources of artillery fire. The assistance has also included patrol boats and communications equipment. The United States is also moving toward providing Ukraine with battlefield intelligence that could help the country more quickly respond to an invasion, senior administration officials said. But all of that aid has been calibrated not to provoke Putin, officials said. If Russian troops crossed the border, the officials said, the United States could offer offensive weaponry and training. “Given the right equipment and tactics, Ukraine can dramatically reduce the chances of a successful invasion,” a former Ukrainian defence minister, Andriy Zagorodnyuk, wrote in an op-ed for the Atlantic Council on Sunday that reads like an instructional manual for how the United States can support an insurgency. “By combining serving military units with combat veterans, reservists, territorial defence units and large numbers of volunteers, Ukraine can create tens of thousands of small and highly mobile groups capable of attacking Russian forces. This will make it virtually impossible for the Kremlin to establish any kind of administration over occupied areas or secure its lines of supply.” But it is difficult to know whether Ukrainians would be willing to start an insurgency campaign that could drag on for years or even decades. Some Ukraine experts point to Crimea, where there has been little armed resistance since Russia invaded. And Putin could limit his siege to the eastern parts of Ukraine, which lean more pro-Russian than the West. A Western military adviser to the Ukrainians said that details of a specific resistance there remained a closely held secret. But already, particularly in the West, Ukrainians are joining territorial defence forces that train in guerrilla tactics. The Biden administration and its NATO allies want to capitalize on any distaste the Russian body politic might have for troop casualties, U.S. and European officials said in interviews. The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss planning. Funding and supporting an insurgency is difficult, defence planners and military experts said. It requires developing a long-game mindset and keeping up morale among fighters in the face of a state-sanctioned enemy that is backed by heavy weaponry. Russian retaliation against Ukrainian insurgents is likely to be “swift, direct and very brutal,” said Seth G. Jones, director of the international security program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. “It’s likely to get bloody.” Jones also suggested that Russia might start to build some type of wall along Ukraine’s borders with NATO countries, putting a new Iron Curtain in place. But Evelyn Farkas, who was the deputy assistant secretary of defence for Russia, Ukraine and Eurasia in the Obama administration, when Russia invaded Crimea, recalled a debate at the time about how tough the United States could be with Russia without provoking further action. Eight years later, she noted that Putin is still threatening the country’s sovereignty. She said that this time around, “I think the gloves should come off.”

US considers backing an insurgency if Russia invades Ukraine

Ukraine's foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba has dismissed Russian demand to "never join" the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as "illegitimate", highlighting "Russian aggression" against his country "as well as Georgia and Moldova".

In&nbsp;response to a WION question, FM Kuleba said, "although we consider Russian demands that Ukraine will never become a member of NATO unacceptable and illegitimate, our country does not stand against a dialogue between Russia and the West as such."

He further added that "during any dialogue, the core principle must be observed: no agreements must be made on Ukraine without Ukraine."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-officials-release-footage-where-man-bursts-into-flames-on-being-tased-by-police-after-using-sanitizer-443052">Also Read |&nbsp;US discussed shipping Stinger missiles to Ukraine: Report</a>

Moscow is worried that Ukraine may join the&nbsp;30-country military alliance NATO fearing Russian security will be impacted, which Kyiv has dismissed. The Russia- Ukraine crisis has worried several western capitals&nbsp;with concerns of a Russian invasion of the country threatening the stability of Europe.

Foreign minister Kuleba pointed that, "Russian Federation has continued to send new troops to the border with Ukraine"&nbsp;and&nbsp;as of "30 December 2021, 52 battalion tactical groups have been deployed in close proximity to Ukrainian territory.".

The minister added that the&nbsp;total number of forces along the "border, and in the occupied Donbas and Crimea reached 126,000 troops, which includes 105,000 troops being present on the ground and 21,000 as naval and air components."

The seeds of the current crisis goes back to the 2014 Russian- Ukraine conflict that led to the Russian annexation of Crimea.

The peninsula internationally is still considered as part of Ukraine&nbsp;and around eight&nbsp;countries only - Afghanistan, Cuba, North Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Nicaragua, Sudan, Syria, and Zimbabwe have recognised the result of the 2014 referendum that led to the region coming under Russian administration.

The response sent by Ukraine foreign ministry said Russia has "developed capabilities to deploy more units in a short period of time, from one to two weeks" even as last year saw the country conducting "2,500 military drills near the border with Ukraine, strengthening the readiness of its forces to be involved in new military operations on Ukrainian soil" which include "use of troops, artillery, anti-tank weapons, reconnaissance and engineering units".

Ties between the two&nbsp;countries&nbsp;which share ethnic ties deteriorated&nbsp;after the 2014 "Revolution of dignity" in Ukraine that toppled pro- Moscow President&nbsp;Viktor Yanukovych. Post-revolution, the country increased its engagement with the West which has perturbed Russia.

The foreign minister, giving data said, "from January 1 to December 30, 2021, Russian forces launched 2,457 attacks against Ukrainian positions, leaving 66 Ukrainian soldiers dead and 273 wounded", while adding, "30 servicemen of the Ukrainian armed forces were killed by snipers and&nbsp;14 were wounded."

He said, "Russia is also trying to undermine the energy security of Ukraine, including through decreasing gas transit, blocking the export of coal and forcing Belarus to ban electricity supplies. "

Even as the situation remains precarious, security talks will take place between Russia and the US on January 10 in Geneva&nbsp;and Russia and NATO will meet&nbsp;on January 12 in Brussels.

Ukraine's foriegn minister Dmytro Kuleba listed key things that are required from Russia which includes&nbsp;"immediately withdraw its forces from the border with Ukraine and from the occupied territories", "de-occupy parts of the Luhansk and Donetsk regions, as well as the Crimean peninsula", "withdraw forces and mercenaries from the occupied parts of Georgia and Moldova"&nbsp;and&nbsp;"recognise the right of any nation to decide its future, including joining international blocs and alliances."

Ukraine's foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba has dismissed Russian demand to "never join" the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as "illegitimate", highlighting "Russian aggression" against his country "as well as Georgia and Moldova".

Ukraine's foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba has dismissed Russian demand to "never join" the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as "illegitimate", highlighting "Russian aggression" against his country "as well as Georgia and Moldova". In response to a WION question, FM Kuleba said, "although we consider Russian demands that Ukraine will never become a member of NATO unacceptable and illegitimate, our country does not stand against a dialogue between Russia and the West as such." He further added that "during any dialogue, the core principle must be observed: no agreements must be made on Ukraine without Ukraine." Also Read | US discussed shipping Stinger missiles to Ukraine: Report Moscow is worried that Ukraine may join the 30-country military alliance NATO fearing Russian security will be impacted, which Kyiv has dismissed. The Russia- Ukraine crisis has worried several western capitals with concerns of a Russian invasion of the country threatening the stability of Europe. Foreign minister Kuleba pointed that, "Russian Federation has continued to send new troops to the border with Ukraine" and as of "30 December 2021, 52 battalion tactical groups have been deployed in close proximity to Ukrainian territory.". The minister added that the total number of forces along the "border, and in the occupied Donbas and Crimea reached 126,000 troops, which includes 105,000 troops being present on the ground and 21,000 as naval and air components." The seeds of the current crisis goes back to the 2014 Russian- Ukraine conflict that led to the Russian annexation of Crimea. The peninsula internationally is still considered as part of Ukraine and around eight countries only - Afghanistan, Cuba, North Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Nicaragua, Sudan, Syria, and Zimbabwe have recognised the result of the 2014 referendum that led to the region coming under Russian administration. The response sent by Ukraine foreign ministry said Russia has "developed capabilities to deploy more units in a short period of time, from one to two weeks" even as last year saw the country conducting "2,500 military drills near the border with Ukraine, strengthening the readiness of its forces to be involved in new military operations on Ukrainian soil" which include "use of troops, artillery, anti-tank weapons, reconnaissance and engineering units". Ties between the two countries which share ethnic ties deteriorated after the 2014 "Revolution of dignity" in Ukraine that toppled pro- Moscow President Viktor Yanukovych. Post-revolution, the country increased its engagement with the West which has perturbed Russia. The foreign minister, giving data said, "from January 1 to December 30, 2021, Russian forces launched 2,457 attacks against Ukrainian positions, leaving 66 Ukrainian soldiers dead and 273 wounded", while adding, "30 servicemen of the Ukrainian armed forces were killed by snipers and 14 were wounded." He said, "Russia is also trying to undermine the energy security of Ukraine, including through decreasing gas transit, blocking the export of coal and forcing Belarus to ban electricity supplies. " Even as the situation remains precarious, security talks will take place between Russia and the US on January 10 in Geneva and Russia and NATO will meet on January 12 in Brussels. Ukraine's foriegn minister Dmytro Kuleba listed key things that are required from Russia which includes "immediately withdraw its forces from the border with Ukraine and from the occupied territories", "de-occupy parts of the Luhansk and Donetsk regions, as well as the Crimean peninsula", "withdraw forces and mercenaries from the occupied parts of Georgia and Moldova" and "recognise the right of any nation to decide its future, including joining international blocs and alliances."

Russian demand that we never become NATO member illegitimate: Ukraine foreign minister to WION

Russia's TASS news agency quoting a US State Department representative reported that the Biden administration had discussed shipping "Stinger man-portable air defence systems" to Ukraine.

TASS quoting the US official reported that the "Stinger issue" was raised as US administrations officials discussed&nbsp;whether the missiles could be shipped through a "third party" like Estonia.

Amid tensions with Russia over Ukraine, the US and NATO declared that it will keep its demand during talks with the Russian delegation in Geneva next week.

Russia had listed its demand to the US and NATO last month asserting that former Soviet countries should not join the European military alliance. US secretary of state Anthony Blinken&nbsp;said it was "absolutely non-starter demands"

Blinken rejected Russia's view that Ukraine has been provoking Russian troops. Russia has massed thousands of troops at the border with Ukraine even as Putin has asserted that the country's troops can move about freely anywhere inside the country.

Watch: 'No progress with a gun to Ukraine's head'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/antony-blinken-no-progress-with-a-gun-to-ukraines-head-442684/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The idea that Ukraine is the aggressor in this situation is absurd. It's Russia that invaded Ukraine nearly eight years ago," Blinken said referring to Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014.

Putin has rejected reports that Russia is set to invade Ukraine.

"We're prepared to respond forcefully to further Russian aggression. But a diplomatic solution is still possible and preferable if Russia chooses it," Blinken said. The Biden administration had earlier threatened "massive consequences" if Russia attacked Ukraine.

Blinken blamed Russia for creating a "false narrative that NATO is threatening Russia" even as Putin has consistently demanded that NATO should not extend its influence in Russia's eastern front.&nbsp;

"NATO is a defensive alliance. It exists to protect not to attack," Blinken asserted.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Russia's TASS news agency quoting a US State Department representative reported that the Biden administration had discussed shipping "Stinger man-portable air defence systems" to Ukraine.

Russia's TASS news agency quoting a US State Department representative reported that the Biden administration had discussed shipping "Stinger man-portable air defence systems" to Ukraine. TASS quoting the US official reported that the "Stinger issue" was raised as US administrations officials discussed whether the missiles could be shipped through a "third party" like Estonia. Amid tensions with Russia over Ukraine, the US and NATO declared that it will keep its demand during talks with the Russian delegation in Geneva next week. Russia had listed its demand to the US and NATO last month asserting that former Soviet countries should not join the European military alliance. US secretary of state Anthony Blinken said it was "absolutely non-starter demands" Blinken rejected Russia's view that Ukraine has been provoking Russian troops. Russia has massed thousands of troops at the border with Ukraine even as Putin has asserted that the country's troops can move about freely anywhere inside the country. Watch: 'No progress with a gun to Ukraine's head' "The idea that Ukraine is the aggressor in this situation is absurd. It's Russia that invaded Ukraine nearly eight years ago," Blinken said referring to Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014. Putin has rejected reports that Russia is set to invade Ukraine. "We're prepared to respond forcefully to further Russian aggression. But a diplomatic solution is still possible and preferable if Russia chooses it," Blinken said. The Biden administration had earlier threatened "massive consequences" if Russia attacked Ukraine. Blinken blamed Russia for creating a "false narrative that NATO is threatening Russia" even as Putin has consistently demanded that NATO should not extend its influence in Russia's eastern front. "NATO is a defensive alliance. It exists to protect not to attack," Blinken asserted. (With inputs from Agencies)

US discussed shipping Stinger missiles to Ukraine: Report

Amid tensions over Ukraine, the White House said today that President Biden will call up Russian President Vladimir&nbsp;Putin on Thursday.

The White House said the two leaders will&nbsp;"discuss a range of topics, including upcoming diplomatic engagements with Russia".

The US and Russia will engage in talks in Geneva on January 10 on the Ukraine crisis after Putin's regime submitted a security draft document to the Biden administration and NATO.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-tensions-with-ukraine-russia-inducts-s-550-air-defence-system-report-440960">Also Read:&nbsp;Amid tensions with Ukraine, Russia inducts S-550 air defence system</a>

Earlier this month during his phone call to Putin, President Biden had threatened large scale sanctions against Russia if the country attacked Ukraine. Ukraine has consistently reported that thousands of Russian troops have been moving into the border.

Although Russia has maintained it has no plans to invade Ukraine however Putin has asserted that Russian troops have the right to move in any part of the country.

Both the EU and NATO have warned Russia against a possible invasion. Putin had said Russia would take "appropriate retaliatory" steps against "aggressive stance" from US-led NATO forces, however, the temperatures looked to cool down after German leader Olaf Scholz's phone call to Putin.

Russian troops recently completed military drills near Ukraine even as the Russian leader said the US had reacted positively to the security proposals. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"The Biden administration continues to engage in extensive diplomacy with our European allies and partners, consulting and coordinating on a common approach in response to Russia's military build-up on the border with Ukraine," the White House said.

Putin has repeatedly said NATO should not extend its border further east bordering Russia and demanded Ukraine should not join the European military alliance, however, NATO officials haven't given any assurances to Russia so far.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid tensions over Ukraine, the White House said today that President Biden will call up Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday. The White House said the two leaders will "discuss a range of topics, including upcoming diplomatic engagements with Russia".

Amid tensions over Ukraine, the White House said today that President Biden will call up Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday. The White House said the two leaders will "discuss a range of topics, including upcoming diplomatic engagements with Russia". The US and Russia will engage in talks in Geneva on January 10 on the Ukraine crisis after Putin's regime submitted a security draft document to the Biden administration and NATO. Also Read: Amid tensions with Ukraine, Russia inducts S-550 air defence system Earlier this month during his phone call to Putin, President Biden had threatened large scale sanctions against Russia if the country attacked Ukraine. Ukraine has consistently reported that thousands of Russian troops have been moving into the border. Although Russia has maintained it has no plans to invade Ukraine however Putin has asserted that Russian troops have the right to move in any part of the country. Both the EU and NATO have warned Russia against a possible invasion. Putin had said Russia would take "appropriate retaliatory" steps against "aggressive stance" from US-led NATO forces, however, the temperatures looked to cool down after German leader Olaf Scholz's phone call to Putin. Russian troops recently completed military drills near Ukraine even as the Russian leader said the US had reacted positively to the security proposals. "The Biden administration continues to engage in extensive diplomacy with our European allies and partners, consulting and coordinating on a common approach in response to Russia's military build-up on the border with Ukraine," the White House said. Putin has repeatedly said NATO should not extend its border further east bordering Russia and demanded Ukraine should not join the European military alliance, however, NATO officials haven't given any assurances to Russia so far. (With inputs from Agencies)

Amid Ukraine tensions, Biden, Putin to hold phone call on Thursday

Amid tensions at the border with Ukraine, Russian President&nbsp;Vladimir&nbsp;Putin said today that it's "almost impossible" to have good relations with the current Ukrainian authorities referring to President Zelenskiy.

"President Zelenskiy came to power and instead of meeting got under the influence of radical nationalistic forces," Putin said as tensions continue on the border with Ukraine with thousands of Russian troops massed at the border.

Putin spoke about the Russian rebels in Ukraine's Donbass asserting that his regime was ready to play the role of a "mediator"&nbsp;to secure the future of the people in the area.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/training-civilians-ukraine-nurtures-a-resistance-in-waiting-440215/amp">Also Read:&nbsp;Training civilians, Ukraine nurtures a resistance in waiting</a>

However, the Russian president said the Ukrainian authorities call the rebels "terrorists and say they won't talk to them."

President Zelenskiy has however said he is ready for talks with Russia, a move which has been rejected by the Russian side.

Watch: Gravitas |&nbsp;&nbsp;Russia pulls back 10,000 soldiers from Ukraine border

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-russia-pulls-back-10000-soldiers-from-ukraine-border-440517/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg has sought a meeting with the Russia Council early next year after the Russian foreign ministry said it was ready for a meeting over Ukraine. Putin has consistently maintained that NATO should not extend its border to the east pointing towards Ukraine.

TASS news agency quoted deputy foreign minister Sergey Ryabkov as saying that the regime is "not bluffing" on security proposals forwarded to NATO and the US.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/satellite-images-expose-russias-attempts-of-building-up-forces-near-ukraine-439845">Also Read:&nbsp;Satellite images expose Russia's attempts of building up forces near Ukraine</a>

"These are our real proposals. The West’s awareness of this needs to be facilitated and we are going to make every effort to achieve it," &nbsp;Ryabkov was quoted as saying by the Russian news agency.

(With inputs from Agencies)&nbsp; &nbsp;

Amid tensions at the border with Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin said today that it's "almost impossible" to have good relations with the current Ukrainian authorities referring to President Zelenskiy.

Amid tensions at the border with Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin said today that it's "almost impossible" to have good relations with the current Ukrainian authorities referring to President Zelenskiy. "President Zelenskiy came to power and instead of meeting got under the influence of radical nationalistic forces," Putin said as tensions continue on the border with Ukraine with thousands of Russian troops massed at the border. Putin spoke about the Russian rebels in Ukraine's Donbass asserting that his regime was ready to play the role of a "mediator" to secure the future of the people in the area. Also Read: Training civilians, Ukraine nurtures a resistance in waiting However, the Russian president said the Ukrainian authorities call the rebels "terrorists and say they won't talk to them." President Zelenskiy has however said he is ready for talks with Russia, a move which has been rejected by the Russian side. Watch: Gravitas | Russia pulls back 10,000 soldiers from Ukraine border Meanwhile, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg has sought a meeting with the Russia Council early next year after the Russian foreign ministry said it was ready for a meeting over Ukraine. Putin has consistently maintained that NATO should not extend its border to the east pointing towards Ukraine. TASS news agency quoted deputy foreign minister Sergey Ryabkov as saying that the regime is "not bluffing" on security proposals forwarded to NATO and the US. Also Read: Satellite images expose Russia's attempts of building up forces near Ukraine "These are our real proposals. The West’s awareness of this needs to be facilitated and we are going to make every effort to achieve it," Ryabkov was quoted as saying by the Russian news agency. (With inputs from Agencies)

Ukraine President Zelenskiy under influence of radical nationalistic forces, says Putin

The Pentagon is working on a plan to provide Ukraine with battlefield intelligence that could help the country more quickly respond to a possible Russian invasion, senior administration officials said.

The assistance, if approved by President Joe Biden, is sure to raise the ire of Russia, which has portrayed any U.S. military aid to Ukraine as provocative.

But as more than 100,000 Russian troops mass at the Ukrainian border, the Biden administration is seeking to project support for the former Soviet republic’s independence from Moscow and its territorial integrity. The United States and its allies have warned President Vladimir Putin of Russia that an invasion would bring both economic pain for his country, in the form of sanctions, and military losses.

Officials in the Biden administration have moved cautiously to avoid escalating the situation, even as they consider ways to better assist Ukraine and deter Russia.

A small Pentagon team recently visited Ukraine to evaluate the country’s air defense needs, John Kirby, the chief Pentagon spokesperson, said Monday. On Tuesday, Karen Donfried, the State Department’s top diplomat for Europe, told reporters that the United States would increase its military assistance to Ukraine if Russia invaded.

The United States has been supplying Ukraine with anti-tank guided missiles called Javelins since 2018; Biden authorized an additional Javelin delivery this fall as part of a $60 million military aid package.

The list of ideas being drawn up at the Pentagon, the State Department and the White House include redirecting to Ukraine helicopters and other military equipment once allocated for the Afghan military, officials said. The administration is also considering sending additional cyberwarfare experts to Ukraine. The United States and Britain have sent some experts to shore up defenses in case Putin launches a cyberstrike on Ukraine either in advance or instead of a ground invasion.

But the proposal at the Pentagon for “actionable” intelligence is potentially more significant, two U.S. officials said. The information would include images of whether Russian troops were moving to cross the border. Such information, if shared in time, could enable the Ukrainian military to head off an attack.

The Biden administration has recognized how important real-time awareness is for the survival of Ukraine’s government. U.S. intelligence agencies are already giving Kyiv access to more material than they had before the Russian military buildup, said a person briefed on the administration’s actions. The person and U.S. officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the plans.

“The number one thing we can do is real-time actionable intelligence that says, ‘The Russians are coming over the berm,’” said Evelyn Farkas, who served as deputy assistant secretary of defense for Russia, Ukraine and Eurasia in the Obama administration. “We tell them, and they use that to target the Russians.”

She said that “we’ve been nervous about that in the past.”

One potential problem with providing actionable intelligence, U.S. officials acknowledge, is that it could lead Ukraine to strike first — the sort of scenario Western officials believe Putin has been trying to sell to the Russian public.

This past summer, Putin argued in an article that Russians and Ukrainians were one people and said that the formation of a Ukrainian state hostile to Moscow was comparable “in its consequences to the use of weapons of mass destruction against us.”

He has continuously painted the Ukrainian government as the aggressor, backed by the West. But if Russian tanks are moving over the border, and Ukraine targets them, it will be hard for Putin to make that argument. Russian disinformation campaigns have attacked the Ukrainian government and accused President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of creating a humanitarian crisis in the country’s east, where Ukrainian government forces have been battling Russian-led separatists for years, Western officials said.

Last Friday, Putin codified what he has long been saying to American and European officials in meetings, demanding that the United States and its allies halt all military activity in Eastern Europe and Central Asia in a Cold War-like security arrangement. That the demand came when Russian troops were at Ukraine’s border explicitly linked the deployment to a possible invasion, U.S. officials said.

U.S. and NATO officials privately dismissed the main demands of the Russian proposal, which came in the form of a draft treaty suggesting that NATO should offer written guarantees that it would not expand farther east toward Russia and halt all military activities in the former Soviet republics.

But the United States also set up talks with Moscow, for January, during which officials said they would tackle the range of complaints detailed by Russia. On Wednesday, Gen. Mark Milley, chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke with his Russian counterpart, Gen. Valery Gerasimov. Ukraine has sought NATO membership for years — a move that would enrage Russia — but despite the delay, the United States has balked at taking Ukraine’s accession off the table.

For the Biden administration, the escalating situation on the border is demanding a balancing act. With Moscow spooked by the Ukrainian government’s perceived anti-Russia policy shift, Putin wants to put pressure on the government, while also exposing the limits of what the United States and Europe are willing to do for Ukraine, officials said.

The Biden administration, officials say, must strike the right note: by bolstering aid to the Ukrainian military to discourage an invasion but not to the point where Russia feels threatened and decides it must to act.

After Ukraine’s pro-Western revolution in 2014, “little green men” — soldiers without insignia — helped Moscow seize Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula. Ukraine has had the seven years since then to prepare for a fight, and Russian officials know any incursion will be met with stiff resistance.

If Putin launches an attack right after Orthodox Christmas in early January — which U.S. and allied intelligence officials believe is the earliest it would come — Russia would have more than two months while the ground is frozen and tanks can effectively move in Eastern Ukraine. Some intelligence officials believe the muds of late March in Ukraine could be the country’s best defense.

Whenever he chooses to cross the border, Putin will “have the likelihood of sudden loss of life, in significant enough numbers that they can’t be smuggled back to Russia under the cover of night,” Farkas said. “The Russians have been trying to sell any conflict as a reaction, but the Russian people do not want to fight their Ukrainian brothers and sisters. You can only fool them so long.”

Military experts say that the Russian army could quickly overwhelm the Ukrainian military, even one that is backed by the United States and its European allies. But a Ukrainian insurgency would most likely take hold, bogging down the Russian military for years.

“You need to have that in mind when you push the trigger to do something,” Gen. Micael Byden, supreme commander of the Swedish Armed Forces, said in an interview. “It won’t be over in weeks.”

The Pentagon is working on a plan to provide Ukraine with battlefield intelligence that could help the country more quickly respond to a possible Russian invasion, senior administration officials said.

The Pentagon is working on a plan to provide Ukraine with battlefield intelligence that could help the country more quickly respond to a possible Russian invasion, senior administration officials said. The assistance, if approved by President Joe Biden, is sure to raise the ire of Russia, which has portrayed any U.S. military aid to Ukraine as provocative. But as more than 100,000 Russian troops mass at the Ukrainian border, the Biden administration is seeking to project support for the former Soviet republic’s independence from Moscow and its territorial integrity. The United States and its allies have warned President Vladimir Putin of Russia that an invasion would bring both economic pain for his country, in the form of sanctions, and military losses. Officials in the Biden administration have moved cautiously to avoid escalating the situation, even as they consider ways to better assist Ukraine and deter Russia. A small Pentagon team recently visited Ukraine to evaluate the country’s air defense needs, John Kirby, the chief Pentagon spokesperson, said Monday. On Tuesday, Karen Donfried, the State Department’s top diplomat for Europe, told reporters that the United States would increase its military assistance to Ukraine if Russia invaded. The United States has been supplying Ukraine with anti-tank guided missiles called Javelins since 2018; Biden authorized an additional Javelin delivery this fall as part of a $60 million military aid package. The list of ideas being drawn up at the Pentagon, the State Department and the White House include redirecting to Ukraine helicopters and other military equipment once allocated for the Afghan military, officials said. The administration is also considering sending additional cyberwarfare experts to Ukraine. The United States and Britain have sent some experts to shore up defenses in case Putin launches a cyberstrike on Ukraine either in advance or instead of a ground invasion. But the proposal at the Pentagon for “actionable” intelligence is potentially more significant, two U.S. officials said. The information would include images of whether Russian troops were moving to cross the border. Such information, if shared in time, could enable the Ukrainian military to head off an attack. The Biden administration has recognized how important real-time awareness is for the survival of Ukraine’s government. U.S. intelligence agencies are already giving Kyiv access to more material than they had before the Russian military buildup, said a person briefed on the administration’s actions. The person and U.S. officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the plans. “The number one thing we can do is real-time actionable intelligence that says, ‘The Russians are coming over the berm,’” said Evelyn Farkas, who served as deputy assistant secretary of defense for Russia, Ukraine and Eurasia in the Obama administration. “We tell them, and they use that to target the Russians.” She said that “we’ve been nervous about that in the past.” One potential problem with providing actionable intelligence, U.S. officials acknowledge, is that it could lead Ukraine to strike first — the sort of scenario Western officials believe Putin has been trying to sell to the Russian public. This past summer, Putin argued in an article that Russians and Ukrainians were one people and said that the formation of a Ukrainian state hostile to Moscow was comparable “in its consequences to the use of weapons of mass destruction against us.” He has continuously painted the Ukrainian government as the aggressor, backed by the West. But if Russian tanks are moving over the border, and Ukraine targets them, it will be hard for Putin to make that argument. Russian disinformation campaigns have attacked the Ukrainian government and accused President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of creating a humanitarian crisis in the country’s east, where Ukrainian government forces have been battling Russian-led separatists for years, Western officials said. Last Friday, Putin codified what he has long been saying to American and European officials in meetings, demanding that the United States and its allies halt all military activity in Eastern Europe and Central Asia in a Cold War-like security arrangement. That the demand came when Russian troops were at Ukraine’s border explicitly linked the deployment to a possible invasion, U.S. officials said. U.S. and NATO officials privately dismissed the main demands of the Russian proposal, which came in the form of a draft treaty suggesting that NATO should offer written guarantees that it would not expand farther east toward Russia and halt all military activities in the former Soviet republics. But the United States also set up talks with Moscow, for January, during which officials said they would tackle the range of complaints detailed by Russia. On Wednesday, Gen. Mark Milley, chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke with his Russian counterpart, Gen. Valery Gerasimov. Ukraine has sought NATO membership for years — a move that would enrage Russia — but despite the delay, the United States has balked at taking Ukraine’s accession off the table. For the Biden administration, the escalating situation on the border is demanding a balancing act. With Moscow spooked by the Ukrainian government’s perceived anti-Russia policy shift, Putin wants to put pressure on the government, while also exposing the limits of what the United States and Europe are willing to do for Ukraine, officials said. The Biden administration, officials say, must strike the right note: by bolstering aid to the Ukrainian military to discourage an invasion but not to the point where Russia feels threatened and decides it must to act. After Ukraine’s pro-Western revolution in 2014, “little green men” — soldiers without insignia — helped Moscow seize Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula. Ukraine has had the seven years since then to prepare for a fight, and Russian officials know any incursion will be met with stiff resistance. If Putin launches an attack right after Orthodox Christmas in early January — which U.S. and allied intelligence officials believe is the earliest it would come — Russia would have more than two months while the ground is frozen and tanks can effectively move in Eastern Ukraine. Some intelligence officials believe the muds of late March in Ukraine could be the country’s best defense. Whenever he chooses to cross the border, Putin will “have the likelihood of sudden loss of life, in significant enough numbers that they can’t be smuggled back to Russia under the cover of night,” Farkas said. “The Russians have been trying to sell any conflict as a reaction, but the Russian people do not want to fight their Ukrainian brothers and sisters. You can only fool them so long.” Military experts say that the Russian army could quickly overwhelm the Ukrainian military, even one that is backed by the United States and its European allies. But a Ukrainian insurgency would most likely take hold, bogging down the Russian military for years. “You need to have that in mind when you push the trigger to do something,” Gen. Micael Byden, supreme commander of the Swedish Armed Forces, said in an interview. “It won’t be over in weeks.”

US considers warning Ukraine of a Russian invasion in real-time

In a pine forest not far from Ukraine’s capital, a mock battle raged. Commanders barked orders. Figures in camouflage huddled behind trees. A soldier fell to the ground, yelling for help.

His cries provided the cue for Anastasia Biloshitska, 25, to run into the line of fire, kneel in the mud and open her medical kit.

“People who are prepared won’t panic,” Biloshitska said.

Biloshitska is one of thousands of Ukrainian civilians who have signed up to learn combat skills in training programs created and run by the government and private paramilitary groups. The programs are part of the country’s strategic defense plan in the event of a potential invasion by Russia — to foster a civilian resistance that can carry on the fight if the Ukrainian military is overwhelmed.

There is no indication that President Vladimir Putin of Russia has made up his mind whether to launch an attack. But if one should come, even Ukraine’s own generals say their regular military stands little chance in a full-fledged invasion.

So Ukraine has drawn a lesson from the United States’ wars in Iraq and Afghanistan of the past two decades, when guerrillas provided enduring resistance in the face of vastly superior U.S. firepower.

“We have a strong army, but not strong enough to defend against Russia,” said Marta Yuzkiv, a doctor working in clinical research, who signed up for training this month. “If we are occupied, and I hope that doesn’t happen, we will become the national resistance.”

Government-sponsored training for civilians has underpinned Nordic and Swiss military strategies for decades, and is gaining traction as a military doctrine in Eastern Europe.

Spurred on by Russian threats, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania all have programs encouraging rifle ownership for some civilians and formal training to fight as partisans after an occupation.

Nearly every weekend in Estonia, for example, the Defense League, a self-defense organization, holds exercises in the forests for volunteers, right down to making improvised explosive devices, or IEDs, the weapon that plagued the U.S. military in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Civilian defense is not unfamiliar in Ukraine; volunteer brigades formed the backbone of the country’s force in the east in 2014, the first year of the war against Russian separatists, when the Ukrainian military was in shambles.

This effort is now being formalized into units of the newly formed Territorial Defense Forces, a part of the military. Last year, the Ukrainian army began weekend training for civilian volunteers in these units.

The government runs, and pays for, some of the training sessions through the Territorial Defense Forces. Private paramilitary groups like the Ukrainian Legion run other sessions, for which their members pay all the costs. The legion conducted the program in the forest outside Kyiv earlier this month.

The goal is not to achieve victory against the weight of the Russian military, which would be virtually impossible for Ukraine anyway. Rather it is to create the threat of disruption and resistance to an occupying force that would serve as a deterrent to an invasion.

Gen. Anatoliy Barhylevych, deputy commander of Ukraine’s ground forces, has said the country aims to turn out about 100,000 volunteers in the event of conflict. But a spokesman for the Ukrainian Defense Forces said he could not disclose how many people had formally enlisted in the training programs.

Opinion surveys suggest some support for the effort. A poll this fall, for example, showed 24% of Ukrainians saying they would resist “with a weapon in hand” if Russia invaded. Among men, 39% said they would resist with weapons. Ukrainians have taken to posting selfies on social media holding rifles.

Ukrainian commanders say that half a million Ukrainians have military experience and that they hope many would join a fight, including those belonging to private groups like Ukrainian Legion.

But skeptics say that this is partly bluster and that the Ukrainian command could hardly count on a flood of veterans becoming insurgents.

In the forest, shrouded in a bitter-cold morning mist, schoolteachers, accountants, waitresses and programmers spilled out of Toyotas and Fords and made their way to the training sessions.

At one picnic area, the lesson of the day was topical, if nerve-rattling: how to screw a fuse into the slab of high explosives of an anti-tank mine.

“We don’t have many Javelins, and the Russians have a lot of tanks,” said Mykhailo Hiraldo-Ramires, the instructor. The Javelin is a type of American anti-tank missile that the United States has provided to the Ukrainian army in limited numbers. “We will get them with these so-called pancakes instead.”

Hiraldo-Ramires demonstrated how to install and arm the detonator, using a model of a mine. This requires removing a metal safety ribbon and pushing a button that when depressed makes a startling snapping noise, indicating the mine is armed. After you do that, he said, you should “move back to a safe distance.”

Ihor Gribenoshko, 56, an advertising executive at a pharmaceutical company, took notes. “The more coffins we send back, the more the Russian people will start thinking twice,” he said.

The Ukrainian Legion does not distribute weapons and instead encourages members to train with their own rifles. It also does not explain how the explosives would wind up in civilian hands. But members said they keep rucksacks in their homes packed with walkie talkies, medical kits, sleeping bags and warm clothes — ready at a moment’s notice.

Critics point to perils in the plan for civilian defense. One concern is that domestic political divisions could spark violence from armed militias. Some scenarios envision Moscow seizing on this vulnerability, turning nationalist militias into a destabilizing threat to the government.

In an invasion, these groups could “quickly turn into a decentralized insurgency in many parts of the country,” a study of scenarios for war between Ukraine and Russia by the Institute for the Study of War in Washington noted.

Others worry that the effort encourages private gun ownership, which carries risks in crime, suicide and domestic violence. Ukrainian law requires a psychological examination to obtain a gun license. In a country of about 40 million, 1.3 million Ukrainians own licensed civilian firearms, according to the Ministry of Interior.

The civilian training include lectures as well as hands-on sessions. Earlier this month, the day before the program in the forest, about 100 people filed into a concert hall in an outlying district of Kyiv, griping about the limited on-street parking and lining up at a vending machine for coffee.

They came for a nearly two-hour lecture sponsored by the Territorial Defense Forces on likely plans of attack on Kyiv — including armored columns rolling in on highways or paratroopers seizing the airport — by Lt. Yuri Matviyenko, a former Ukrainian military attaché to Israel.

“Expect a fast storming,” he said. “We won’t have much time.”

He described how the volunteers might resist based on the tactics of Islamist militias in Aleppo, Syria. The volunteers should use their knowledge of their own neighbourhoods to move close to the Russian soldiers, leaving too little separation to call in airstrikes or artillery, he said.

The next day, out in the pine forest, Biloshitska — who studied to be a teacher but is now working as a waitress — examined the man playing the role of a casualty as she trained to provide first aid. It did not look good. Small strips of red duct tape indicated multiple wounds. Pressure was applied. Gauze came out. A mock radio call took place.

“Artillery! One! Two! Three!” an instructor yelled. Biloshitska tumbled to the ground, taking cover, than sprang back up to stanch the bleeding.

On a typical weekend, Biloshitska said, she might read a book, do laundry or meet a friend at a coffee shop. Learning to dress battle wounds was a new experience.

Biloshitska treated an area marked as an exit wound on the man’s back. Finally, panting, sweating and surrounded by discarded bandages and medical gloves, she was finished. “How do you feel?” she asked the man.

“Terrible,” he said. “I was shot in the chest.”

In a pine forest not far from Ukraine’s capital, a mock battle raged. Commanders barked orders. Figures in camouflage huddled behind trees. A soldier fell to the ground, yelling for help.

In a pine forest not far from Ukraine’s capital, a mock battle raged. Commanders barked orders. Figures in camouflage huddled behind trees. A soldier fell to the ground, yelling for help. His cries provided the cue for Anastasia Biloshitska, 25, to run into the line of fire, kneel in the mud and open her medical kit. “People who are prepared won’t panic,” Biloshitska said. Biloshitska is one of thousands of Ukrainian civilians who have signed up to learn combat skills in training programs created and run by the government and private paramilitary groups. The programs are part of the country’s strategic defense plan in the event of a potential invasion by Russia — to foster a civilian resistance that can carry on the fight if the Ukrainian military is overwhelmed. There is no indication that President Vladimir Putin of Russia has made up his mind whether to launch an attack. But if one should come, even Ukraine’s own generals say their regular military stands little chance in a full-fledged invasion. So Ukraine has drawn a lesson from the United States’ wars in Iraq and Afghanistan of the past two decades, when guerrillas provided enduring resistance in the face of vastly superior U.S. firepower. “We have a strong army, but not strong enough to defend against Russia,” said Marta Yuzkiv, a doctor working in clinical research, who signed up for training this month. “If we are occupied, and I hope that doesn’t happen, we will become the national resistance.” Government-sponsored training for civilians has underpinned Nordic and Swiss military strategies for decades, and is gaining traction as a military doctrine in Eastern Europe. Spurred on by Russian threats, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania all have programs encouraging rifle ownership for some civilians and formal training to fight as partisans after an occupation. Nearly every weekend in Estonia, for example, the Defense League, a self-defense organization, holds exercises in the forests for volunteers, right down to making improvised explosive devices, or IEDs, the weapon that plagued the U.S. military in Iraq and Afghanistan. Civilian defense is not unfamiliar in Ukraine; volunteer brigades formed the backbone of the country’s force in the east in 2014, the first year of the war against Russian separatists, when the Ukrainian military was in shambles. This effort is now being formalized into units of the newly formed Territorial Defense Forces, a part of the military. Last year, the Ukrainian army began weekend training for civilian volunteers in these units. The government runs, and pays for, some of the training sessions through the Territorial Defense Forces. Private paramilitary groups like the Ukrainian Legion run other sessions, for which their members pay all the costs. The legion conducted the program in the forest outside Kyiv earlier this month. The goal is not to achieve victory against the weight of the Russian military, which would be virtually impossible for Ukraine anyway. Rather it is to create the threat of disruption and resistance to an occupying force that would serve as a deterrent to an invasion. Gen. Anatoliy Barhylevych, deputy commander of Ukraine’s ground forces, has said the country aims to turn out about 100,000 volunteers in the event of conflict. But a spokesman for the Ukrainian Defense Forces said he could not disclose how many people had formally enlisted in the training programs. Opinion surveys suggest some support for the effort. A poll this fall, for example, showed 24% of Ukrainians saying they would resist “with a weapon in hand” if Russia invaded. Among men, 39% said they would resist with weapons. Ukrainians have taken to posting selfies on social media holding rifles. Ukrainian commanders say that half a million Ukrainians have military experience and that they hope many would join a fight, including those belonging to private groups like Ukrainian Legion. But skeptics say that this is partly bluster and that the Ukrainian command could hardly count on a flood of veterans becoming insurgents. In the forest, shrouded in a bitter-cold morning mist, schoolteachers, accountants, waitresses and programmers spilled out of Toyotas and Fords and made their way to the training sessions. At one picnic area, the lesson of the day was topical, if nerve-rattling: how to screw a fuse into the slab of high explosives of an anti-tank mine. “We don’t have many Javelins, and the Russians have a lot of tanks,” said Mykhailo Hiraldo-Ramires, the instructor. The Javelin is a type of American anti-tank missile that the United States has provided to the Ukrainian army in limited numbers. “We will get them with these so-called pancakes instead.” Hiraldo-Ramires demonstrated how to install and arm the detonator, using a model of a mine. This requires removing a metal safety ribbon and pushing a button that when depressed makes a startling snapping noise, indicating the mine is armed. After you do that, he said, you should “move back to a safe distance.” Ihor Gribenoshko, 56, an advertising executive at a pharmaceutical company, took notes. “The more coffins we send back, the more the Russian people will start thinking twice,” he said. The Ukrainian Legion does not distribute weapons and instead encourages members to train with their own rifles. It also does not explain how the explosives would wind up in civilian hands. But members said they keep rucksacks in their homes packed with walkie talkies, medical kits, sleeping bags and warm clothes — ready at a moment’s notice. Critics point to perils in the plan for civilian defense. One concern is that domestic political divisions could spark violence from armed militias. Some scenarios envision Moscow seizing on this vulnerability, turning nationalist militias into a destabilizing threat to the government. In an invasion, these groups could “quickly turn into a decentralized insurgency in many parts of the country,” a study of scenarios for war between Ukraine and Russia by the Institute for the Study of War in Washington noted. Others worry that the effort encourages private gun ownership, which carries risks in crime, suicide and domestic violence. Ukrainian law requires a psychological examination to obtain a gun license. In a country of about 40 million, 1.3 million Ukrainians own licensed civilian firearms, according to the Ministry of Interior. The civilian training include lectures as well as hands-on sessions. Earlier this month, the day before the program in the forest, about 100 people filed into a concert hall in an outlying district of Kyiv, griping about the limited on-street parking and lining up at a vending machine for coffee. They came for a nearly two-hour lecture sponsored by the Territorial Defense Forces on likely plans of attack on Kyiv — including armored columns rolling in on highways or paratroopers seizing the airport — by Lt. Yuri Matviyenko, a former Ukrainian military attaché to Israel. “Expect a fast storming,” he said. “We won’t have much time.” He described how the volunteers might resist based on the tactics of Islamist militias in Aleppo, Syria. The volunteers should use their knowledge of their own neighbourhoods to move close to the Russian soldiers, leaving too little separation to call in airstrikes or artillery, he said. The next day, out in the pine forest, Biloshitska — who studied to be a teacher but is now working as a waitress — examined the man playing the role of a casualty as she trained to provide first aid. It did not look good. Small strips of red duct tape indicated multiple wounds. Pressure was applied. Gauze came out. A mock radio call took place. “Artillery! One! Two! Three!” an instructor yelled. Biloshitska tumbled to the ground, taking cover, than sprang back up to stanch the bleeding. On a typical weekend, Biloshitska said, she might read a book, do laundry or meet a friend at a coffee shop. Learning to dress battle wounds was a new experience. Biloshitska treated an area marked as an exit wound on the man’s back. Finally, panting, sweating and surrounded by discarded bandages and medical gloves, she was finished. “How do you feel?” she asked the man. “Terrible,” he said. “I was shot in the chest.”

Training civilians, Ukraine nurtures a resistance in waiting

Amid tensions with Ukraine at the border, reports claim Russia has approved "urgent burial of corpses in war and peacetime".

The move comes even as the White House on Friday declared that there was "military buildup by the Russians" and "bellicose rhetoric from the leader of Russia" referring to President Putin.

The US has warned Russia of "massive consequences" if Russia attacks Ukraine as reports claimed over 100,000 troops were amassed at the border.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-conducts-military-drill-with-us-made-anti-tank-missiles-439100">Also Read:&nbsp;Ukraine conducts military drill with US-made anti-tank missiles</a>

The new Russian directive on the burial of copses was published in Russia's official portal. It said under urgent burial of corpses section: "A set of measures for the urgent burial of corpses of people and animals killed during military conflicts or as a result of these conflicts, as well as, if necessary, as a result of emergency situations of peace."

The new measures are&nbsp;expected to come into force from February 1.

Watch:&nbsp;Moscow doesn't want conflict with Ukraine, says Putin

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-president-vladimir-putin-says-moscow-doesnt-want-conflict-with-ukraine-439475/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The order also called for the "implementation of civil defence measures". The document reportedly asked Russian authorities to organise a "mass funeral" while calling for the "identification of places of possible burials".

"The decision to create burial sites is made by the executive authority of the constituent entity of the Russian Federation," it said.

In order to deescalate tensions, the US government said it is preparing for talks with Russia after Kremlin submitted a document on security guarantees to the Biden administration and NATO.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-want-conflict-over-ukraine-but-nato-expansion-unacceptable-putin-439311">Also Read:&nbsp;Don't want conflict over Ukraine, but NATO expansion unacceptable, says&nbsp;Putin</a>

Putin has consistently demanded that NATO should not expand its border to the east overlooking Russia. During the annual press conference, the Russian leader said he is ready to discuss the proposals with President Biden.&nbsp;

The Russian president informed that Biden had proposed to assign "official representatives" to discuss the issues. Putin asserted that "real action" needed to be taken by the West while stressing on "unconditional measures to ensure Russia’s security".

"NATO’s further expansion to the East is unacceptable," Putin said at the press conference.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid tensions with Ukraine at the border, reports claim Russia has approved "urgent burial of corpses in war and peacetime". The move comes even as the White House on Friday declared that there was "military buildup by the Russians" and "bellicose rhetoric from the leader of Russia" referring to President Putin.

Amid tensions with Ukraine at the border, reports claim Russia has approved "urgent burial of corpses in war and peacetime". The move comes even as the White House on Friday declared that there was "military buildup by the Russians" and "bellicose rhetoric from the leader of Russia" referring to President Putin. The US has warned Russia of "massive consequences" if Russia attacks Ukraine as reports claimed over 100,000 troops were amassed at the border. Also Read: Ukraine conducts military drill with US-made anti-tank missiles The new Russian directive on the burial of copses was published in Russia's official portal. It said under urgent burial of corpses section: "A set of measures for the urgent burial of corpses of people and animals killed during military conflicts or as a result of these conflicts, as well as, if necessary, as a result of emergency situations of peace." The new measures are expected to come into force from February 1. Watch: Moscow doesn't want conflict with Ukraine, says Putin The order also called for the "implementation of civil defence measures". The document reportedly asked Russian authorities to organise a "mass funeral" while calling for the "identification of places of possible burials". "The decision to create burial sites is made by the executive authority of the constituent entity of the Russian Federation," it said. In order to deescalate tensions, the US government said it is preparing for talks with Russia after Kremlin submitted a document on security guarantees to the Biden administration and NATO. Also Read: Don't want conflict over Ukraine, but NATO expansion unacceptable, says Putin Putin has consistently demanded that NATO should not expand its border to the east overlooking Russia. During the annual press conference, the Russian leader said he is ready to discuss the proposals with President Biden. The Russian president informed that Biden had proposed to assign "official representatives" to discuss the issues. Putin asserted that "real action" needed to be taken by the West while stressing on "unconditional measures to ensure Russia’s security". "NATO’s further expansion to the East is unacceptable," Putin said at the press conference. (With inputs from Agencies)

Amid tensions with Ukraine, Russia plans 'urgent burial of corpses': Report

Ukraine's military conducted combat drills with US weapons in the eastern region.

The Ukraine army used Javelin anti-tank missiles in the area dominated by separatists. The military exercises come even as security officials said over 100,000 Russian troops were close to Ukraine's border.

<a href="Also Read in Pics: Rebel-held regions of eastern Ukraine are growing closer to Russia">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Rebel-held regions of eastern Ukraine are growing closer to Russia</a>

Amid rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine, reports claim of upcoming cyber warfare. The United States and the United Kingdom have reportedly sent cyber warfare teams to Ukraine in the wake of a feared cyber attack by Russia.

Watch:&nbsp;'Will respond to aggression,' Putin blames West for escalating tensions

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/will-respond-to-aggression-putin-blames-west-for-escalating-tensions-russia-ukraine-tensions-438779/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A report by the New York Times claims officials in the US and Britain feel Russian President Vladimir Putin may attempt to launch a cyberattack targeting Ukraine's electrical grid, banking system and other critical infrastructure.

President Joe Biden had assured Ukraine of US support in case it is attacked by Russia. The US president has threatened massive sanctions against Russia it attacks Ukraine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-will-happen-if-russian-troops-invade-ukraine-431684">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;What will happen if Russian troops invade Ukraine?</a>

Reports say American officials have been considering tough export control measures against Russia aimed at disrupting the Russian economy.

Meanwhile, Germany called for talks with Russia in the "Normandy Format" involving France, Russia, Germany, Ukraine including NATO-Russia Council(NRC) in order to de-escalate tensions at the border with Ukraine.

Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said security talks with the US will take place next year after Putin's regime submitted a draft document of security guarantees to the Biden administration and NATO.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Ukraine's military conducted combat drills with US weapons in the eastern region. The Ukraine army used Javelin anti-tank missiles in the area dominated by separatists.

Ukraine's military conducted combat drills with US weapons in the eastern region. The Ukraine army used Javelin anti-tank missiles in the area dominated by separatists. The military exercises come even as security officials said over 100,000 Russian troops were close to Ukraine's border. Also Read in Pics: Rebel-held regions of eastern Ukraine are growing closer to Russia Amid rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine, reports claim of upcoming cyber warfare. The United States and the United Kingdom have reportedly sent cyber warfare teams to Ukraine in the wake of a feared cyber attack by Russia. Watch: 'Will respond to aggression,' Putin blames West for escalating tensions A report by the New York Times claims officials in the US and Britain feel Russian President Vladimir Putin may attempt to launch a cyberattack targeting Ukraine's electrical grid, banking system and other critical infrastructure. President Joe Biden had assured Ukraine of US support in case it is attacked by Russia. The US president has threatened massive sanctions against Russia it attacks Ukraine. Also Read in Pics: What will happen if Russian troops invade Ukraine? Reports say American officials have been considering tough export control measures against Russia aimed at disrupting the Russian economy. Meanwhile, Germany called for talks with Russia in the "Normandy Format" involving France, Russia, Germany, Ukraine including NATO-Russia Council(NRC) in order to de-escalate tensions at the border with Ukraine. Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said security talks with the US will take place next year after Putin's regime submitted a draft document of security guarantees to the Biden administration and NATO. (With inputs from Agencies)

Ukraine conducts military drill with US-made anti-tank missiles

Amid tensions at the border with Ukraine, Russian President Putin said that US and NATO's missile systems including the hypersonic weapons were a "serious challenge" to the country's security.

"If our Western colleagues continue their aggressive course of action, we will take adequate military and technical actions in response," Putin said adding that Russia has "every right to do so".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/rebel-held-regions-of-eastern-ukraine-are-growing-closer-to-russia-437500">Also Read in Pics: Rebel-held regions of eastern Ukraine are growing closer to Russia</a>

Ukraine has been warning that Russia has massed thousands of troops on its border with the intention of invading the country. The EU and the US have repeatedly been warning of "massive consequences" if Russia attacked Ukraine.

"We have every right to take actions aimed to ensure the security and sovereignty of Russia," Putin asserted even as the Russian president added that he had proposed negotiations with President Joe Biden.

Watch:&nbsp;Russia warns of advanced military action

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-presses-for-urgent-us-response-to-its-demands-warns-of-advanced-military-action-438812/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Putin said increased tension in Europe was "their fault". The Russian president said with every step the situation has been "getting worse, worse, worse and degraded and degraded" referring to the situation at the border with Ukine.&nbsp;

"Today, we are in such a situation where we are forced to make a decision," Putin said. The Russian president said the buildup of NATO forces next to Russian borders was of "great concern" including "large-scale military drills".

"We are extremely worried about deploying the United States' global missile defence system near Russia," Putin said. In a document submitted to the US government and NATO last week, Putin's regime had asked the Biden administration not to induct former Soviet block countries into its military alliance.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-will-happen-if-russian-troops-invade-ukraine-431684">Also Read in Pics: What will happen if Russian troops invade Ukraine?</a>

Ukraine&nbsp;President Volodymyr Zelensky however has expressed frustration over NATO's reluctance to speed up its membership into the alliance. Zelensky said his country wants to become a NATO member by next year.

Amid tensions, US State Department spokesman Ned Price said the Biden administration would provide &nbsp;"additional defensive material" in case Russia decides to invade Ukraine which involves&nbsp;material "above and beyond" which is already being provided.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid tensions at the border with Ukraine, Russian President Putin said that US and NATO's missile systems including the hypersonic weapons were a "serious challenge" to the country's security.

Amid tensions at the border with Ukraine, Russian President Putin said that US and NATO's missile systems including the hypersonic weapons were a "serious challenge" to the country's security. "If our Western colleagues continue their aggressive course of action, we will take adequate military and technical actions in response," Putin said adding that Russia has "every right to do so". Also Read in Pics: Rebel-held regions of eastern Ukraine are growing closer to Russia Ukraine has been warning that Russia has massed thousands of troops on its border with the intention of invading the country. The EU and the US have repeatedly been warning of "massive consequences" if Russia attacked Ukraine. "We have every right to take actions aimed to ensure the security and sovereignty of Russia," Putin asserted even as the Russian president added that he had proposed negotiations with President Joe Biden. Watch: Russia warns of advanced military action Putin said increased tension in Europe was "their fault". The Russian president said with every step the situation has been "getting worse, worse, worse and degraded and degraded" referring to the situation at the border with Ukine. "Today, we are in such a situation where we are forced to make a decision," Putin said. The Russian president said the buildup of NATO forces next to Russian borders was of "great concern" including "large-scale military drills". "We are extremely worried about deploying the United States' global missile defence system near Russia," Putin said. In a document submitted to the US government and NATO last week, Putin's regime had asked the Biden administration not to induct former Soviet block countries into its military alliance. Also Read in Pics: What will happen if Russian troops invade Ukraine? Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky however has expressed frustration over NATO's reluctance to speed up its membership into the alliance. Zelensky said his country wants to become a NATO member by next year. Amid tensions, US State Department spokesman Ned Price said the Biden administration would provide "additional defensive material" in case Russia decides to invade Ukraine which involves material "above and beyond" which is already being provided. (With inputs from Agencies)

We have every right to take action aimed to ensure security, says Putin on tensions with Ukraine

Amid tensions with Ukraine, Russia's defence ministry said it has been tracking&nbsp;French Navy’s missile frigate Auvergne after&nbsp;it entered the Black Sea.

The French ship specialises in anti-submarine warfare. Last week the Russian defence ministry had said its Air Force jets had escorted American and French planes over the Black Sea.

As tensions have mounted over Ukraine with reports claiming Russian has amassed thousands of troops at the border, President Putin called for talks with NATO and the US to ensure "international legal guarantees" for Russia's security.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-will-happen-if-russian-troops-invade-ukraine-431684">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;What will happen if Russian troops invade Ukraine?</a>

Putin reiterated his message for talks during his phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Russia wants NATO not to expand into its eastern border as tensions have escalated with Ukraine. President Putin had spoken to US President Biden over a video link last week as the US president threatened to impose large scale sanctions against Russia if it attacked Ukraine.

Watch:&nbsp;Russia threatens to deploy nuclear missiles in Europe

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-threatens-to-deploy-nuclear-missiles-in-europe-amid-tensions-in-ukraine-436828/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, Ukraine accused Germany of preventing the shipment of anti-drone rifles and anti-sniper systems from NATO.&nbsp;

President Volodymyr Zelensky's government has repeatedly asserted that Putin's regime is set to invade the country, a claim denied by Kremlin which says it is free to move its troops anywhere within its territory.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-invasion-would-be-a-costly-mistake-boris-johnson-warns-putin-436696">Also Read:&nbsp;Ukraine invasion would be a costly mistake, Boris Johnson warns Putin</a>

Amid heightened tensions, Ukraine's parliament approved a draft law to allow foreign troops to take part in military exercises in the country. Ukraine is planning to hold large military exercises next year.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid tensions with Ukraine, Russia's defence ministry said it has been tracking French Navy’s missile frigate Auvergne after it entered the Black Sea. The French ship specialises in anti-submarine warfare.

Amid tensions with Ukraine, Russia's defence ministry said it has been tracking French Navy’s missile frigate Auvergne after it entered the Black Sea. The French ship specialises in anti-submarine warfare. Last week the Russian defence ministry had said its Air Force jets had escorted American and French planes over the Black Sea. As tensions have mounted over Ukraine with reports claiming Russian has amassed thousands of troops at the border, President Putin called for talks with NATO and the US to ensure "international legal guarantees" for Russia's security. Also Read in Pics: What will happen if Russian troops invade Ukraine? Putin reiterated his message for talks during his phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron. Russia wants NATO not to expand into its eastern border as tensions have escalated with Ukraine. President Putin had spoken to US President Biden over a video link last week as the US president threatened to impose large scale sanctions against Russia if it attacked Ukraine. Watch: Russia threatens to deploy nuclear missiles in Europe Meanwhile, Ukraine accused Germany of preventing the shipment of anti-drone rifles and anti-sniper systems from NATO. President Volodymyr Zelensky's government has repeatedly asserted that Putin's regime is set to invade the country, a claim denied by Kremlin which says it is free to move its troops anywhere within its territory. Also Read: Ukraine invasion would be a costly mistake, Boris Johnson warns Putin Amid heightened tensions, Ukraine's parliament approved a draft law to allow foreign troops to take part in military exercises in the country. Ukraine is planning to hold large military exercises next year. (With inputs from Agencies)

Russia tracks French warship in Black Sea amid Ukraine tensions

Britain's foreign secretary Liz Truss while speaking at the G7 foreign ministers meeting warned that Russia would face "massive consequences in case of an incursion into&nbsp;Ukraine".

Western leaders have sought to put pressure on President Putin after reports claimed Russian troops have&nbsp;been massing troops on Ukraine's border.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-will-happen-if-russian-troops-invade-ukraine-431684">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;What will happen if Russian troops invade Ukraine?</a>

Russia has however said it is free to move its troops within its borders and has no plans to attack Ukraine.&nbsp;

President Joe Biden in a virtual summit this week with President Putin had threatened to impose economic sanctions against Russia if it attacked Ukraine. The US president warned of "devastating" economic consequences on Russia during his summit with&nbsp;Putin.

Watch:&nbsp;'Russia will pay a terrible price if it invades Ukraine'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-president-joe-biden-russia-will-pay-a-terrible-price-if-it-invades-ukraine-436266/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Russian president has asserted that his country has a "peaceful foreign policy, but has the right to defend its security". Putin said Ukraine's admission into NATO could lead to European forces moving to the eastern border.

Biden said US and NATO are ready to send more troops into the eastern flank while warning that Putin will "pay a terrible price" if the situation went out of control. The US president said his forces will continue to provide "defence capacities" to Ukraine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/protests-in-ukraine-as-putin-marks-russias-unity-day-in-crimea-426813">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Protests in Ukraine as Putin marks Russia's Unity Day in Crimea</a>

Amid the escalating pressure, US State Department revealed that diplomats will travel to Ukraine and Russia in order to deescalate tensions.

Reports claim Russia has deployed 100,000 troops on Ukraine's border. The Russian foreign ministry had declared earlier that NATO should do away with plans to induct Georgia and Ukraine into the European military alliance. However, NATO secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg flatly rejected Russia's call.

Stoltenberg said European nations have the right "to decide their own path".&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

Britain's foreign secretary Liz Truss while speaking at the G7 foreign ministers meeting warned that Russia would face "massive consequences in case of an incursion into Ukraine".

Britain's foreign secretary Liz Truss while speaking at the G7 foreign ministers meeting warned that Russia would face "massive consequences in case of an incursion into Ukraine". Western leaders have sought to put pressure on President Putin after reports claimed Russian troops have been massing troops on Ukraine's border. Also Read in Pics: What will happen if Russian troops invade Ukraine? Russia has however said it is free to move its troops within its borders and has no plans to attack Ukraine. President Joe Biden in a virtual summit this week with President Putin had threatened to impose economic sanctions against Russia if it attacked Ukraine. The US president warned of "devastating" economic consequences on Russia during his summit with Putin. Watch: 'Russia will pay a terrible price if it invades Ukraine' The Russian president has asserted that his country has a "peaceful foreign policy, but has the right to defend its security". Putin said Ukraine's admission into NATO could lead to European forces moving to the eastern border. Biden said US and NATO are ready to send more troops into the eastern flank while warning that Putin will "pay a terrible price" if the situation went out of control. The US president said his forces will continue to provide "defence capacities" to Ukraine. Also Read in Pics: Protests in Ukraine as Putin marks Russia's Unity Day in Crimea Amid the escalating pressure, US State Department revealed that diplomats will travel to Ukraine and Russia in order to deescalate tensions. Reports claim Russia has deployed 100,000 troops on Ukraine's border. The Russian foreign ministry had declared earlier that NATO should do away with plans to induct Georgia and Ukraine into the European military alliance. However, NATO secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg flatly rejected Russia's call. Stoltenberg said European nations have the right "to decide their own path". (With inputs from Agencies)

Russia will face 'massive consequences'  over Ukraine incursion, warns G7

As the United States issued warnings last month about the Russian troops on Ukraine’s borders and President Joe Biden threatened President Vladimir Putin with sanctions if he launched an invasion, researchers noticed an uptick in social media posts accusing Ukraine of plotting a genocide against ethnic Russians.

In one example, an arm of the Moscow-controlled broadcaster RT circulated a clip of Putin saying that events in eastern Ukraine “resemble genocide.” News Front, which the State Department has called a disinformation outlet with ties to Russian security services, followed with an article Dec. 13 that said the United States did not consider the massacres to be a genocide.

In the months since the Russian troop buildup began, Moscow and its online army of allies have pushed out old arguments about western Ukrainians being aligned with Nazism, falsely accused the United States of using proxy forces to plot a chemical attack and claimed that Russia’s planned military operations were intended to protect ethnic Russians or preempt action by NATO, according to researchers.

U.S. intelligence officials said Russia had produced a steady stream of disinformation about Ukraine since 2014. But they observed an uptick in December and January as Moscow increased pressure on the government in Kyiv.

Technology firm Logically, a British-based company that helps governments and businesses counter disinformation, has been tracking Russian-aligned social media accounts, such as those of RT and Sputnik, along with Twitter accounts of Russian officials.

Posts and articles accusing some Ukrainians of being neo-Nazis have dramatically increased since early November, according to Logically. The Moscow-backed information campaign accusing the United States of planning a chemical attack spiked Dec. 21, the firm said.

Much of the propaganda is aimed at a domestic audience in Russia and at pro-Moscow Ukrainians, said Brian Murphy, the vice president for strategic operations at Logically. If Russia does invade Ukraine, he said, it wants to make sure it has the support of Russian speakers in the country as its tanks and artillery roll across fields or knock down houses.

“There are very few fence-sitters left in Ukraine,” Murphy said. “They are trying to strengthen support in the separatist-occupied regions of Ukraine and within Russia.”

But the propaganda can easily move beyond a Russian-speaking audience.

Intelligence officials have said that while Russia is unlikely to change many minds in Europe, its messaging has had more traction in South America and Africa, muddying the waters about which country is responsible for the Ukraine crisis.

Much like its efforts to divide the American electorate in 2016 by stoking debates about racism, guns and other divisive issues, Russia is trying to increase polarization in Ukraine to give it a tactical advantage, Murphy said.

The State Department said in a fact sheet issued last week that much of the disinformation repeated old themes, such as portraying Russia as a victim of U.S. actions, depicting Western societies as on the verge of collapse because they have moved away from traditional values, and describing Washington as the supporter of revolutions in the region.

Researchers have tracked similar themes coming from Russian accounts, including a rise in posts claiming that NATO and Ukrainian forces are preparing to attack Russian speakers in Ukraine. Allegations of a NATO intervention in Ukraine first hit a peak in late December before spiking higher in mid-January, according to Logically.

Murphy, the former head of the Department of Homeland Security’s intelligence branch, said that claiming NATO interference in Ukraine has long been a standard line of attack by Moscow.

While it is often difficult to track where a particular piece of disinformation originates, researchers can see when many Russian accounts begin pushing the same narrative.

“It looks like a coordinated campaign,” Murphy said. “They come out, around the same time, with similar messaging.”

The claim that the United States was preparing a chemical attack was originally made by the Russian defence minister. But disinformation experts tracked how various accounts amplified it.

Versions of the statement were recirculated by both state-owned media and websites that the U.S. government has said are used by Russian intelligence services, such as News Front and the Strategic Culture Foundation, said Bret Schafer, the head of the information manipulation team at the Alliance for Securing Democracy, which tracks disinformation and other efforts aimed at undercutting democratic governments. The timing of the posts was curious, he said.

A few weeks after the posts appeared in December, U.S. officials said that a false flag operation conducted by Russia could be used as an excuse to move troops into Ukraine in the name of protecting the Russian-speaking population.

“One could conceivably view Russian messaging last month as an attempt to muddy the water before their own impending operation,” Schafer said. “Or, in classic propaganda terms, to accuse others of that which you are guilty.”

Larissa Doroshenko, a researcher at Northeastern University, said that Russian disinformation tactics in Ukraine used both falsified stories and those that were true but tangential to current events in order to distort narratives or hide true intentions.

Doroshenko studied Russian disinformation around the 2014 pro-democracy protests in Ukraine and found that even then, Moscow used various means to push narratives.

“We focus on the social media, but it is a multiplatform approach,” she said. “It is social media, but it is also these so-called news websites, these propaganda websites, that present themselves to appeal to regular people.”

Putin took Crimea stealthily, Doroshenko said. But the troop buildup near Ukraine has been anything but hidden.

She said the Russian troop deployments and threats against Ukraine may be as much about stoking nationalistic feelings as they are about muting domestic criticism of Putin’s moves to shut down nonprofit groups like Memorial International, a human rights organization, or groups affiliated with Alexei Navalny, the Russian opposition leader.

“If you can create an external enemy,” she said, “all these issues of what are happening with civic society in Russia are not as important anymore.”

As the United States issued warnings last month about the Russian troops on Ukraine’s borders and President Joe Biden threatened President Vladimir Putin with sanctions if he launched an invasion, researchers noticed an uptick in social media posts accusing Ukraine of plotting a genocide against ethnic Russians.

As the United States issued warnings last month about the Russian troops on Ukraine’s borders and President Joe Biden threatened President Vladimir Putin with sanctions if he launched an invasion, researchers noticed an uptick in social media posts accusing Ukraine of plotting a genocide against ethnic Russians. In one example, an arm of the Moscow-controlled broadcaster RT circulated a clip of Putin saying that events in eastern Ukraine “resemble genocide.” News Front, which the State Department has called a disinformation outlet with ties to Russian security services, followed with an article Dec. 13 that said the United States did not consider the massacres to be a genocide. In the months since the Russian troop buildup began, Moscow and its online army of allies have pushed out old arguments about western Ukrainians being aligned with Nazism, falsely accused the United States of using proxy forces to plot a chemical attack and claimed that Russia’s planned military operations were intended to protect ethnic Russians or preempt action by NATO, according to researchers. U.S. intelligence officials said Russia had produced a steady stream of disinformation about Ukraine since 2014. But they observed an uptick in December and January as Moscow increased pressure on the government in Kyiv. Technology firm Logically, a British-based company that helps governments and businesses counter disinformation, has been tracking Russian-aligned social media accounts, such as those of RT and Sputnik, along with Twitter accounts of Russian officials. Posts and articles accusing some Ukrainians of being neo-Nazis have dramatically increased since early November, according to Logically. The Moscow-backed information campaign accusing the United States of planning a chemical attack spiked Dec. 21, the firm said. Much of the propaganda is aimed at a domestic audience in Russia and at pro-Moscow Ukrainians, said Brian Murphy, the vice president for strategic operations at Logically. If Russia does invade Ukraine, he said, it wants to make sure it has the support of Russian speakers in the country as its tanks and artillery roll across fields or knock down houses. “There are very few fence-sitters left in Ukraine,” Murphy said. “They are trying to strengthen support in the separatist-occupied regions of Ukraine and within Russia.” But the propaganda can easily move beyond a Russian-speaking audience. Intelligence officials have said that while Russia is unlikely to change many minds in Europe, its messaging has had more traction in South America and Africa, muddying the waters about which country is responsible for the Ukraine crisis. Much like its efforts to divide the American electorate in 2016 by stoking debates about racism, guns and other divisive issues, Russia is trying to increase polarization in Ukraine to give it a tactical advantage, Murphy said. The State Department said in a fact sheet issued last week that much of the disinformation repeated old themes, such as portraying Russia as a victim of U.S. actions, depicting Western societies as on the verge of collapse because they have moved away from traditional values, and describing Washington as the supporter of revolutions in the region. Researchers have tracked similar themes coming from Russian accounts, including a rise in posts claiming that NATO and Ukrainian forces are preparing to attack Russian speakers in Ukraine. Allegations of a NATO intervention in Ukraine first hit a peak in late December before spiking higher in mid-January, according to Logically. Murphy, the former head of the Department of Homeland Security’s intelligence branch, said that claiming NATO interference in Ukraine has long been a standard line of attack by Moscow. While it is often difficult to track where a particular piece of disinformation originates, researchers can see when many Russian accounts begin pushing the same narrative. “It looks like a coordinated campaign,” Murphy said. “They come out, around the same time, with similar messaging.” The claim that the United States was preparing a chemical attack was originally made by the Russian defence minister. But disinformation experts tracked how various accounts amplified it. Versions of the statement were recirculated by both state-owned media and websites that the U.S. government has said are used by Russian intelligence services, such as News Front and the Strategic Culture Foundation, said Bret Schafer, the head of the information manipulation team at the Alliance for Securing Democracy, which tracks disinformation and other efforts aimed at undercutting democratic governments. The timing of the posts was curious, he said. A few weeks after the posts appeared in December, U.S. officials said that a false flag operation conducted by Russia could be used as an excuse to move troops into Ukraine in the name of protecting the Russian-speaking population. “One could conceivably view Russian messaging last month as an attempt to muddy the water before their own impending operation,” Schafer said. “Or, in classic propaganda terms, to accuse others of that which you are guilty.” Larissa Doroshenko, a researcher at Northeastern University, said that Russian disinformation tactics in Ukraine used both falsified stories and those that were true but tangential to current events in order to distort narratives or hide true intentions. Doroshenko studied Russian disinformation around the 2014 pro-democracy protests in Ukraine and found that even then, Moscow used various means to push narratives. “We focus on the social media, but it is a multiplatform approach,” she said. “It is social media, but it is also these so-called news websites, these propaganda websites, that present themselves to appeal to regular people.” Putin took Crimea stealthily, Doroshenko said. But the troop buildup near Ukraine has been anything but hidden. She said the Russian troop deployments and threats against Ukraine may be as much about stoking nationalistic feelings as they are about muting domestic criticism of Putin’s moves to shut down nonprofit groups like Memorial International, a human rights organization, or groups affiliated with Alexei Navalny, the Russian opposition leader. “If you can create an external enemy,” she said, “all these issues of what are happening with civic society in Russia are not as important anymore.”

Russia steps up propaganda war amid tensions with Ukraine

As worries of a Russian invasion rise, the UK is withdrawing part of its staff from the Ukraine embassy.

In response to Russia's "increasing threat," the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) has indicated that some personnel in Kiev and their families will begin to leave.

The FCDO guidance stated that "some embassy staff and dependants are being withdrawn from Kyiv in response to the growing threat from Russia,"

"The British Embassy remains open and will continue to carry out essential work."

The build-up of the Russian military has heightened fears of an impending invasion or incursion.

According to the New York Times, Russia has already evacuated family members and some workers from its diplomatic missions in Ukraine.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-tensions-what-is-really-happening-heres-what-you-should-know-446848">Also read | Russia-Ukraine tensions: What is really happening? Here's what you should know</a>

The announcement comes after the US Embassy in Kiev made a similar announcement late Sunday, saying it had decided to authorise the departure of its staff in Ukraine "out of an abundance of caution due to continued Russian efforts to destabilise the country and undermine the security of Ukrainian citizens."&nbsp;

The announcements by the United States and the United Kingdom to withdraw embassy families follow Western and Ukrainian fears over Russia's military buildup near its border with Ukraine.

In response to invasion fears, NATO declared on Monday that it would send more planes and ships to its Eastern European deployments.

Denmark, for example, will send four F-16 fighter jets to Lithuania, with the United States and other countries also stepping up their support.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

As worries of a Russian invasion rise, the UK is withdrawing part of its staff from the Ukraine embassy. In response to Russia's "increasing threat," the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) has indicated that some personnel in Kiev and their families will begin to leave.

As worries of a Russian invasion rise, the UK is withdrawing part of its staff from the Ukraine embassy. In response to Russia's "increasing threat," the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) has indicated that some personnel in Kiev and their families will begin to leave. The FCDO guidance stated that "some embassy staff and dependants are being withdrawn from Kyiv in response to the growing threat from Russia," "The British Embassy remains open and will continue to carry out essential work." The build-up of the Russian military has heightened fears of an impending invasion or incursion. According to the New York Times, Russia has already evacuated family members and some workers from its diplomatic missions in Ukraine. Also read | Russia-Ukraine tensions: What is really happening? Here's what you should know The announcement comes after the US Embassy in Kiev made a similar announcement late Sunday, saying it had decided to authorise the departure of its staff in Ukraine "out of an abundance of caution due to continued Russian efforts to destabilise the country and undermine the security of Ukrainian citizens." The announcements by the United States and the United Kingdom to withdraw embassy families follow Western and Ukrainian fears over Russia's military buildup near its border with Ukraine. In response to invasion fears, NATO declared on Monday that it would send more planes and ships to its Eastern European deployments. Denmark, for example, will send four F-16 fighter jets to Lithuania, with the United States and other countries also stepping up their support. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine crisis: UK begins evacuation of diplomats from Kiev amid war fears

The tensions between Russia and Ukraine that could potentially lead to a full-blown war are influenced by a tussle for strategic influence and a row over territorial borders.

Ukraine is seen by Moscow as a crucial buffer for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO.

Russia is viewed by Ukraine as an invader that has already taken sections of its territory.

Here are a few points that will help you understand the conflict's origins and current state.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-sends-2000-anti-tank-weapons-to-ukraine-amid-fears-of-russian-invasion-446457">Also read | UK sends 2,000 anti-tank weapons to Ukraine amid fears of Russian invasion</a>

What is the origin of the Russia-Ukraine conflict?

Ukraine is a country with an area of 603,628 sq km, sandwiched between Russia and Europe.

It was a member of the Soviet Union until 1991, and since then, it has been a less-than-perfect democracy with a sluggish economy and a foreign policy that oscillates between pro-Russian and pro-European positions.

Protests against Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych's decision to reject a plan for greater economic integration with the European Union erupted in the capital city of Kiev in November 2013.

In the crisis, Russia backed Yanukovych, while the US and Europe backed the demonstrators.

President Yanukovych fled the nation in February 2014 after a harsh crackdown by state security forces unwittingly drew even more protestors and worsened the crisis.

After Crimeans decided to join the Russian Federation in a controversial local referendum in March 2014, the Russian military took control of Ukraine's Crimean region before legally annexing the peninsula.

The need to preserve the rights of Russian people and Russian speakers in Crimea and southeast Ukraine was underlined by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The crisis exacerbated ethnic tensions, and pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk regions conducted a referendum two months later to declare independence from Ukraine. 
 
<img alt="Crimea" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="467972a6-ec38-4bde-999b-903aa3c83ca2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Crimea-afp.jpg" /> 
 
Russian soldiers and pro-Russian volunteers during a military parade rehearsal in preparation for the Victory Day parade in Simferopol, Crimea, on April 12, 2014. (AFP Photo)

Efforts for peace deal

Months of bloodshed followed the move by pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk regions to declare independence from Kyiv.

Despite the fact that Kyiv and Moscow signed a peace pact in Minsk in 2015, sponsored by France and Germany, ceasefire violations have occurred on several occasions.

Since March 2014, more than 3,000 civilians have died in eastern Ukraine as a result of the conflict, according to UN estimates.

The leaders of Russia, Ukraine, France, and Germany convened in Paris in December 2019 to reaffirm their commitment to the 2015 peace pact, but little progress on a political settlement has been made.

Why does it matter to Putin if Ukraine joins NATO?

NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, was established in 1949 to counter Soviet aggression.

Since then, the alliance has grown to include 30 nations, including Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia, all of which were once Soviet republics.

According to the treaty, if one of NATO's members is invaded or attacked by a third party, the entire alliance will mobilise to defend it.

The Kremlin wants NATO to ensure that Ukraine and Georgia, another former Soviet republic that Russia invaded briefly in 2008, will not join the alliance.

Putin cannot deny Ukraine that right, according to the Biden administration and NATO partners, but there are no plans to award Ukraine membership anytime soon.

What is the current state of affairs at the border?

The movements and concentrations of soldiers in and around Ukraine have been labelled as "unusual" by the US and NATO.

Despite warnings from US President Joe Biden and European leaders that an invasion by Putin would be disastrous, up to 100,000 Russian troops remain stationed near the Ukrainian border.

According to US intelligence conclusions released in December, Russia could launch a military operation in Ukraine in 2022.

Growing concerns of full-blown war

If Russia increases its troops deployment in Ukraine or into NATO countries, the conflict in Ukraine risks deteriorating further and escalating into an all-out war.

Russia's activities have prompted fears about its intentions abroad in Eastern Europe, and a Russian intervention into a NATO territory would elicit a NATO ally's response.

The battle has heightened tensions in Russia's relations with the US and Europe, hurting prospects for collaboration in other areas such as counter-terrorism, arms control, and a political solution in Syria.

The tensions between Russia and Ukraine that could potentially lead to a full-blown war are influenced by a tussle for strategic influence and a row over territorial borders.

The tensions between Russia and Ukraine that could potentially lead to a full-blown war are influenced by a tussle for strategic influence and a row over territorial borders. Ukraine is seen by Moscow as a crucial buffer for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO. Russia is viewed by Ukraine as an invader that has already taken sections of its territory. Here are a few points that will help you understand the conflict's origins and current state. Also read | UK sends 2,000 anti-tank weapons to Ukraine amid fears of Russian invasion What is the origin of the Russia-Ukraine conflict? Ukraine is a country with an area of 603,628 sq km, sandwiched between Russia and Europe. It was a member of the Soviet Union until 1991, and since then, it has been a less-than-perfect democracy with a sluggish economy and a foreign policy that oscillates between pro-Russian and pro-European positions. Protests against Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych's decision to reject a plan for greater economic integration with the European Union erupted in the capital city of Kiev in November 2013. In the crisis, Russia backed Yanukovych, while the US and Europe backed the demonstrators. President Yanukovych fled the nation in February 2014 after a harsh crackdown by state security forces unwittingly drew even more protestors and worsened the crisis. After Crimeans decided to join the Russian Federation in a controversial local referendum in March 2014, the Russian military took control of Ukraine's Crimean region before legally annexing the peninsula. The need to preserve the rights of Russian people and Russian speakers in Crimea and southeast Ukraine was underlined by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The crisis exacerbated ethnic tensions, and pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk regions conducted a referendum two months later to declare independence from Ukraine. Russian soldiers and pro-Russian volunteers during a military parade rehearsal in preparation for the Victory Day parade in Simferopol, Crimea, on April 12, 2014. (AFP Photo) Efforts for peace deal Months of bloodshed followed the move by pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk regions to declare independence from Kyiv. Despite the fact that Kyiv and Moscow signed a peace pact in Minsk in 2015, sponsored by France and Germany, ceasefire violations have occurred on several occasions. Since March 2014, more than 3,000 civilians have died in eastern Ukraine as a result of the conflict, according to UN estimates. The leaders of Russia, Ukraine, France, and Germany convened in Paris in December 2019 to reaffirm their commitment to the 2015 peace pact, but little progress on a political settlement has been made. Why does it matter to Putin if Ukraine joins NATO? NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, was established in 1949 to counter Soviet aggression. Since then, the alliance has grown to include 30 nations, including Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia, all of which were once Soviet republics. According to the treaty, if one of NATO's members is invaded or attacked by a third party, the entire alliance will mobilise to defend it. The Kremlin wants NATO to ensure that Ukraine and Georgia, another former Soviet republic that Russia invaded briefly in 2008, will not join the alliance. Putin cannot deny Ukraine that right, according to the Biden administration and NATO partners, but there are no plans to award Ukraine membership anytime soon. What is the current state of affairs at the border? The movements and concentrations of soldiers in and around Ukraine have been labelled as "unusual" by the US and NATO. Despite warnings from US President Joe Biden and European leaders that an invasion by Putin would be disastrous, up to 100,000 Russian troops remain stationed near the Ukrainian border. According to US intelligence conclusions released in December, Russia could launch a military operation in Ukraine in 2022. Growing concerns of full-blown war If Russia increases its troops deployment in Ukraine or into NATO countries, the conflict in Ukraine risks deteriorating further and escalating into an all-out war. Russia's activities have prompted fears about its intentions abroad in Eastern Europe, and a Russian intervention into a NATO territory would elicit a NATO ally's response. The battle has heightened tensions in Russia's relations with the US and Europe, hurting prospects for collaboration in other areas such as counter-terrorism, arms control, and a political solution in Syria.

Russia-Ukraine tensions: What is really happening? Here's what you should know

The United States has briefed India on Russian military "build-up" on Ukraine's border even as the situation in eastern Europe remains on the brink.

In a telephonic conversation with India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla on Wednesday, US deputy secretary of state Wendy Sherman spoke on a number of issues "including Russia’s concerning military build-up on Ukraine’s borders and regional issues" said a state department readout.

During the talks, both sides discussed a wide range of issues such as the Indo-Pacific&nbsp;situation, UNSC cooperation and the Iran-P5+1 negotiations that have been going on.

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FS <a href="https://twitter.com/harshvshringla?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@harshvshringla</a> had a wide ranging telecon today with US <a href="https://twitter.com/DeputySecState?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DeputySecState</a> Wendy Sherman. 
 
Inter alia reviewed upcoming bilateral engagements and the COVID pandemic, including supply of vaccines, and exchanged views on Indo-Pacific, Middle East, UNSC, India’s neighborhood, etc.
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The focus was also on dealing with the ongoing pandemic&nbsp;as they agreed to remain closely coordinated on "shared goals and priorities and reiterated the importance of a strong US-India partnership to mitigate the COVID-19 Omicron variant’s rapid advance."

The call from Washington comes even as US secretary of State Blinken is in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv to reassure the country against any possible Russian action. Blinken is set to meet Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov on Friday as both Washington abd&nbsp;Moscow hope to find a "diplomatic off-ramp", state department officials have said.

Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov had a meeting with the Indian envoy to Russia Pavan Kapoor on Monday.

During the meeting&nbsp;they "exchanged views and&nbsp;assessments on the events in Geneva, Brussels and&nbsp;Vienna on security guarantees for Russia" according to a Russian readout.

Last week, Geneva saw eight-hour&nbsp;long US-Russia talks led by Ryabkov and&nbsp;Sherman to diffuse the crisis and understand each other's concerns. Moscow has been strongly opposing Ukraine's membership of NATO alliance which it sees as a&nbsp;threat to its security.

For India, both US and&nbsp;Russia are close partners. Russian President Putin was in Delhi last month for the annual summit&nbsp;while PM Modi was in Washington last year for a bilateral with US President Biden and&nbsp;participation at the Quad summit.

The United States has briefed India on Russian military "build-up" on Ukraine's border even as the situation in eastern Europe remains on the brink. In a telephonic conversation with India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla on Wednesday, US deputy secretary of state Wendy Sherman spoke on a number of issues "including Russia’s concerning military build-up on Ukraine’s borders and regional issues" said a state department readout.

The United States has briefed India on Russian military "build-up" on Ukraine's border even as the situation in eastern Europe remains on the brink. In a telephonic conversation with India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla on Wednesday, US deputy secretary of state Wendy Sherman spoke on a number of issues "including Russia’s concerning military build-up on Ukraine’s borders and regional issues" said a state department readout. During the talks, both sides discussed a wide range of issues such as the Indo-Pacific situation, UNSC cooperation and the Iran-P5+1 negotiations that have been going on. FS @harshvshringla had a wide ranging telecon today with US @DeputySecState Wendy Sherman. Inter alia reviewed upcoming bilateral engagements and the COVID pandemic, including supply of vaccines, and exchanged views on Indo-Pacific, Middle East, UNSC, India’s neighborhood, etc. — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) January 19, 2022 × The focus was also on dealing with the ongoing pandemic as they agreed to remain closely coordinated on "shared goals and priorities and reiterated the importance of a strong US-India partnership to mitigate the COVID-19 Omicron variant’s rapid advance." The call from Washington comes even as US secretary of State Blinken is in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv to reassure the country against any possible Russian action. Blinken is set to meet Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov on Friday as both Washington abd Moscow hope to find a "diplomatic off-ramp", state department officials have said. Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov had a meeting with the Indian envoy to Russia Pavan Kapoor on Monday. During the meeting they "exchanged views and assessments on the events in Geneva, Brussels and Vienna on security guarantees for Russia" according to a Russian readout. Last week, Geneva saw eight-hour long US-Russia talks led by Ryabkov and Sherman to diffuse the crisis and understand each other's concerns. Moscow has been strongly opposing Ukraine's membership of NATO alliance which it sees as a threat to its security. For India, both US and Russia are close partners. Russian President Putin was in Delhi last month for the annual summit while PM Modi was in Washington last year for a bilateral with US President Biden and participation at the Quad summit.

US briefs India on Russia's military 'build-up' on Ukraine border

A US State Department official said Russia could "potentially attack Ukraine" from Belarus as it intends to station troops in the country.

"The timing is notable and raises concerns that Russia could intend to station troops in Belarus under the guise of joint military exercises in order potentially to attack Ukraine from the north," a US State Department official said.

The official said, "Belarus’ complicity in such an attack would be completely unacceptable to Belarusian."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/rebel-held-regions-of-eastern-ukraine-are-growing-closer-to-russia-437500">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Rebel-held regions of eastern Ukraine are growing closer to Russia</a>

Amid tensions with Ukraine at the border with Russia, President Lukashenko had announced that Russian forces and the Belarus military would be conducting drills next month.

Russian news agency TASS, quoting the US State Department official said &nbsp;a "normal exercise" involves notification of 42 days and at least 9,000&nbsp;troops are&nbsp;involved, but this time there are 13,0000&nbsp;troops, adding, "that's what normal looks like, what this is is something entirely different."

Watch:&nbsp;Europe heading for war? Russia conducts military drills

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The official said there are "many troubling things happening in Belarus" referring to Lukashenko's regime which has been facing domestic trouble including sanctions from EU countries. The State Department official said Belarus had increasingly become a "destabilising actor".

The US has been warning that Russia could launch an attack on Ukraine with thousands of troops stationed at the border. The White House said recently that the attack could come in mid-January to mid-February.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-will-happen-if-russian-troops-invade-ukraine-431684">Also Read:&nbsp;What will happen if Russian troops invade Ukraine?</a>

Russia has denied it is set to invade Ukraine and has insisted it can move troops anywhere inside its region. Kremlin had earlier submitted a document to the US and NATO asserting that the European military alliance should not admit ex-Soviet countries referring to Ukraine. NATO has however rejected Russia's demand.&nbsp;

Amid hectic diplomatic efforts, the US secretary of state Antony Blinken is set to arrive in Kyiv on Wednesday as the White House said Putin's regime is set to attack at "any point".

(With inputs from Agencies)

A US State Department official said Russia could "potentially attack Ukraine" from Belarus as it intends to station troops in the country. "The timing is notable and raises concerns that Russia could intend to station troops in Belarus under the guise of joint military exercises in order potentially to attack Ukraine from the north," a US State Department official said.

A US State Department official said Russia could "potentially attack Ukraine" from Belarus as it intends to station troops in the country. "The timing is notable and raises concerns that Russia could intend to station troops in Belarus under the guise of joint military exercises in order potentially to attack Ukraine from the north," a US State Department official said. The official said, "Belarus’ complicity in such an attack would be completely unacceptable to Belarusian." Also Read in Pics: Rebel-held regions of eastern Ukraine are growing closer to Russia Amid tensions with Ukraine at the border with Russia, President Lukashenko had announced that Russian forces and the Belarus military would be conducting drills next month. Russian news agency TASS, quoting the US State Department official said a "normal exercise" involves notification of 42 days and at least 9,000 troops are involved, but this time there are 13,0000 troops, adding, "that's what normal looks like, what this is is something entirely different." Watch: Europe heading for war? Russia conducts military drills The official said there are "many troubling things happening in Belarus" referring to Lukashenko's regime which has been facing domestic trouble including sanctions from EU countries. The State Department official said Belarus had increasingly become a "destabilising actor". The US has been warning that Russia could launch an attack on Ukraine with thousands of troops stationed at the border. The White House said recently that the attack could come in mid-January to mid-February. Also Read: What will happen if Russian troops invade Ukraine? Russia has denied it is set to invade Ukraine and has insisted it can move troops anywhere inside its region. Kremlin had earlier submitted a document to the US and NATO asserting that the European military alliance should not admit ex-Soviet countries referring to Ukraine. NATO has however rejected Russia's demand. Amid hectic diplomatic efforts, the US secretary of state Antony Blinken is set to arrive in Kyiv on Wednesday as the White House said Putin's regime is set to attack at "any point". (With inputs from Agencies)

Russia could potentially attack Ukraine from Belarus: US State Department official

Amid tensions with Russia at the border, Boris Johnson's government said it has begun supplying anti-tank weapons to Ukraine amid reports of an imminent Russian invasion.

British defence secretary Ben Wallace told parliament that the government was sending "short-range" weapons which pose no threat to Russia but it is for Ukraine's "self-defence".

"If tanks were to roll into Ukraine, invade it, then they would be part of the defence mechanism," Wallace told parliamentarians.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-deter-russian-aggression-canada-sends-special-forces-operators-small-contingent-to-ukraine-says-report-445569">Also Read:&nbsp;Canada sends special forces operators’ small contingent to Ukraine</a>

Meanwhile, Russian soldiers took part in a military exercise near the Ukrainian border amid tensions in the&nbsp;Kamensk-Shakhtinsky region as the soldiers reportedly carried out fortification and mining exercises.

The US and Ukraine have warned that Putin's regime is ready to launch an attack on Kyiv with over 100,000 troops amassed at the border with tanks and heavy artillery.

Watch:&nbsp;US, Russia harden stance over Ukraine crisis

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Russia has dismissed claims it is about to invade Ukraine however it has insisted that Russian troops have the right to move about freely anywhere inside the country.

Russia had recently submitted a security document to the US and NATO in which it said the European security alliance should not induct ex-Soviet countries into its fold, referring to Ukraine. NATO has however rejected Russia's demand.

European countries including Germany have demanded Russia "de-escalate the situation" at the border warning that an invasion could lead to "serious political as well as economic consequences" for Russia.

However, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said that the country's leadership "is capable of protecting its interests both in terms of security and in terms of ensuring the rights of Russian citizens".

(With inputs from Agencies)&nbsp;

Amid tensions with Russia at the border, Boris Johnson's government said it has begun supplying anti-tank weapons to Ukraine amid reports of an imminent Russian invasion.

Amid tensions with Russia at the border, Boris Johnson's government said it has begun supplying anti-tank weapons to Ukraine amid reports of an imminent Russian invasion. British defence secretary Ben Wallace told parliament that the government was sending "short-range" weapons which pose no threat to Russia but it is for Ukraine's "self-defence". "If tanks were to roll into Ukraine, invade it, then they would be part of the defence mechanism," Wallace told parliamentarians. Also Read: Canada sends special forces operators’ small contingent to Ukraine Meanwhile, Russian soldiers took part in a military exercise near the Ukrainian border amid tensions in the Kamensk-Shakhtinsky region as the soldiers reportedly carried out fortification and mining exercises. The US and Ukraine have warned that Putin's regime is ready to launch an attack on Kyiv with over 100,000 troops amassed at the border with tanks and heavy artillery. Watch: US, Russia harden stance over Ukraine crisis Russia has dismissed claims it is about to invade Ukraine however it has insisted that Russian troops have the right to move about freely anywhere inside the country. Russia had recently submitted a security document to the US and NATO in which it said the European security alliance should not induct ex-Soviet countries into its fold, referring to Ukraine. NATO has however rejected Russia's demand. European countries including Germany have demanded Russia "de-escalate the situation" at the border warning that an invasion could lead to "serious political as well as economic consequences" for Russia. However, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said that the country's leadership "is capable of protecting its interests both in terms of security and in terms of ensuring the rights of Russian citizens". (With inputs from Agencies)

UK supplies anti-tank weapons to Ukraine amid tensions with Russia

Amid tensions between Russia and Ukraine, the US accused&nbsp;Russia of creating a "false flag" scenario.

"They have pre-positioned a group of operatives to conduct what we call a 'false flag operation'," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said.

What is a "False Flag"?

A "false flag" scenario occurs when a group deliberately misrepresents affiliation and hides its true identity. It is used widely during war and covert operations.

It is a deceptive move undertaken by a country or an organisation to set up an&nbsp;attack. Pirate ships often used "false flags" of nations to deceive merchant ships while undertaking an attack under a "false flag".

There are numerous examples throughout history of armymen stealing uniforms from their enemy to take part in covert operations in order to carry out a clandestine military campaign. The "false flag" tactic is also used to sometimes start a war.

In the latest "false flag" claim the US accused Russia of fabricating an attack on itself or on Russian-speaking Ukrainians by a group of operatives to make a false claim of an attack by Ukraine.&nbsp;

"False Flag" operations:

CIA had reportedly carried a false flag operation in 1953 against Iran's former PM Mohammad Mosaddeq in order to successfully launch operation TPAJAX as it conducted bombing campaigns which were blamed on communist sympathisers. A declassified report claimed Britain's MI6 and the CIA jointly undertook the operations.&nbsp;

“Operation Northwoods” is another example of a "false flag" operation proposed by US intelligence in 1962 to justify military action against Cuba.&nbsp;

The US Department of Defence planned to stage "terrorist" acts against American military and civilian installations and blame it on Fidel Castro's regime. The proposal was however rejected by former President Kennedy.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid tensions between Russia and Ukraine, the US accused Russia of creating a "false flag" scenario. "They have pre-positioned a group of operatives to conduct what we call a 'false flag operation'," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said.

Amid tensions between Russia and Ukraine, the US accused Russia of creating a "false flag" scenario. "They have pre-positioned a group of operatives to conduct what we call a 'false flag operation'," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said. What is a "False Flag"? A "false flag" scenario occurs when a group deliberately misrepresents affiliation and hides its true identity. It is used widely during war and covert operations. It is a deceptive move undertaken by a country or an organisation to set up an attack. Pirate ships often used "false flags" of nations to deceive merchant ships while undertaking an attack under a "false flag". There are numerous examples throughout history of armymen stealing uniforms from their enemy to take part in covert operations in order to carry out a clandestine military campaign. The "false flag" tactic is also used to sometimes start a war. In the latest "false flag" claim the US accused Russia of fabricating an attack on itself or on Russian-speaking Ukrainians by a group of operatives to make a false claim of an attack by Ukraine. "False Flag" operations: CIA had reportedly carried a false flag operation in 1953 against Iran's former PM Mohammad Mosaddeq in order to successfully launch operation TPAJAX as it conducted bombing campaigns which were blamed on communist sympathisers. A declassified report claimed Britain's MI6 and the CIA jointly undertook the operations. “Operation Northwoods” is another example of a "false flag" operation proposed by US intelligence in 1962 to justify military action against Cuba. The US Department of Defence planned to stage "terrorist" acts against American military and civilian installations and blame it on Fidel Castro's regime. The proposal was however rejected by former President Kennedy. (With inputs from Agencies)

Ukraine-Russia tensions: What is 'false flag'?

The United States said today that Russia has "prepositioned a group of operatives to conduct a false-flag operation in eastern Ukraine" in a bid to escalate the border crisis.

White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said Russia has operatives who are trained in urban warfare and are using "explosives to carry out acts of sabotage against Russia's own proxy forces".

The United States and Kyiv have warned that Russia is set to launch an invasion in Ukraine with thousands of Russian troops massed at the border.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-are-hypersonic-missiles-different-is-it-the-new-wonder-weapon-444335#hypersonics-the-new-frontier-in-missile-technology-444327">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;How are hypersonic missiles different, is it the new 'wonder weapon'?</a>

Psaki declared that Russia is "preparing for an invasion into Ukraine" while "fabricating" a pretext for an invasion.

The White House spokesperson alleged that Russia is carrying out "sabotage activities" by accusing Ukraine of preparing an attack.

"Plans to begin these activities several weeks before a military invasion which could begin between mid-January and mid-February," the White House spokesperson added.

Watch:&nbsp;Attempt at defusing tensions between Russia and Ukraine fails

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Russia however denied the US statements even as Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said intelligence was "very credible".

"They often hybridize their personnel to such a degree that the lines are not necessarily really clear," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/slew-of-disputes-between-former-cold-war-adversaries-us-and-russia-443661">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Slew of disputes between former Cold War adversaries US and Russia</a>

The latest revelations come even as reports said Ukraine was hit by a major cyberattack as the US said Russia had launched a disinformation campaign with "Ukrainian provocations in state and social media to justify a Russian intervention and sow divisions in Ukraine."&nbsp;

"We saw this playbook in 2014. They are preparing this playbook again," US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said referring to Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

The United States said today that Russia has "prepositioned a group of operatives to conduct a false-flag operation in eastern Ukraine" in a bid to escalate the border crisis.

The United States said today that Russia has "prepositioned a group of operatives to conduct a false-flag operation in eastern Ukraine" in a bid to escalate the border crisis. White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said Russia has operatives who are trained in urban warfare and are using "explosives to carry out acts of sabotage against Russia's own proxy forces". The United States and Kyiv have warned that Russia is set to launch an invasion in Ukraine with thousands of Russian troops massed at the border. Also Read in Pics: How are hypersonic missiles different, is it the new 'wonder weapon'? Psaki declared that Russia is "preparing for an invasion into Ukraine" while "fabricating" a pretext for an invasion. The White House spokesperson alleged that Russia is carrying out "sabotage activities" by accusing Ukraine of preparing an attack. "Plans to begin these activities several weeks before a military invasion which could begin between mid-January and mid-February," the White House spokesperson added. Watch: Attempt at defusing tensions between Russia and Ukraine fails Russia however denied the US statements even as Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said intelligence was "very credible". "They often hybridize their personnel to such a degree that the lines are not necessarily really clear," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said. Also Read in Pics: Slew of disputes between former Cold War adversaries US and Russia The latest revelations come even as reports said Ukraine was hit by a major cyberattack as the US said Russia had launched a disinformation campaign with "Ukrainian provocations in state and social media to justify a Russian intervention and sow divisions in Ukraine." "We saw this playbook in 2014. They are preparing this playbook again," US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said referring to Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014. (With inputs from Agencies)

Russia conducting false-flag operation in eastern Ukraine: US

Amid tensions with Ukraine at the border, Russia's defence forces unveiled the new Tupolev Tu-160M strategic missile bomber.

The bomber also known as ‘White Swan’ carried out its debut flight from the aerodrome of the Kazan Aviation Enterprise, reports said.

The aircraft flew at an altitude of 600 meters for 30 minutes. Russia's TASS news agency quoting the CEO of United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) Yury Slyusar said that the bomber has 80 per cent of equipment upgraded and modernised.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-enlists-meteorologists-to-predict-russias-ukraine-invasion-plan-report-444048">Also Read:&nbsp;Biden enlists meteorologists to predict Russia's Ukraine invasion plan</a>

The bomber is reportedly designed to strike targets in remote areas with nuclear and conventional weapons. Reports claim the Tu-160M is the world’s heaviest supersonic military aircraft.

The latest development comes even as NATO and Russia continue to be divided over Ukraine as the US continued to press Russia to withdraw troops from the Ukrainian border.

Watch:&nbsp;Russia holds live-fire military drills in regions near Ukraine

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-holds-live-fire-military-drills-in-regions-near-ukraine-444127/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

NATO asserted that Russia would have no veto over Ukraine's entry into the European military alliance. In the security document submitted by Russia, Kremlin said NATO should not extend into Russia's eastern border referring to Ukraine's possible entry into NATO.

Russian deputy foreign minister Alexander Grushko said there was no breakthrough in talks over Ukraine. The US has warned Russia has massed thousands of troops along the Ukraine border and is set to invade the country in the new year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-says-talks-with-nato-over-ukraine-are-moment-of-truth-443852">Also Read:&nbsp;&nbsp;Russia says talks with NATO over Ukraine are 'moment of truth'</a>

However, Putin has rejected Western claims of an imminent Russian invasion asserting that Russian troops have the right to move around anywhere inside their own territory.

NATO'S secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg said there were "significant differences between NATO allies and Russia" over Ukraine.

NATO had broken its relations with Russia after Putin's regime annexed the Ukrainian region of Crimea in 2014.&nbsp;

US President Biden and the EU have threatened "massive consequences" if Russia invades Ukraine including imposition of large scale sanctions.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid tensions with Ukraine at the border, Russia's defence forces unveiled the new Tupolev Tu-160M strategic missile bomber. The bomber also known as ‘White Swan’ carried out its debut flight from the aerodrome of the Kazan Aviation Enterprise, reports said.

Amid tensions with Ukraine at the border, Russia's defence forces unveiled the new Tupolev Tu-160M strategic missile bomber. The bomber also known as ‘White Swan’ carried out its debut flight from the aerodrome of the Kazan Aviation Enterprise, reports said. The aircraft flew at an altitude of 600 meters for 30 minutes. Russia's TASS news agency quoting the CEO of United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) Yury Slyusar said that the bomber has 80 per cent of equipment upgraded and modernised. Also Read: Biden enlists meteorologists to predict Russia's Ukraine invasion plan The bomber is reportedly designed to strike targets in remote areas with nuclear and conventional weapons. Reports claim the Tu-160M is the world’s heaviest supersonic military aircraft. The latest development comes even as NATO and Russia continue to be divided over Ukraine as the US continued to press Russia to withdraw troops from the Ukrainian border. Watch: Russia holds live-fire military drills in regions near Ukraine NATO asserted that Russia would have no veto over Ukraine's entry into the European military alliance. In the security document submitted by Russia, Kremlin said NATO should not extend into Russia's eastern border referring to Ukraine's possible entry into NATO. Russian deputy foreign minister Alexander Grushko said there was no breakthrough in talks over Ukraine. The US has warned Russia has massed thousands of troops along the Ukraine border and is set to invade the country in the new year. Also Read: Russia says talks with NATO over Ukraine are 'moment of truth' However, Putin has rejected Western claims of an imminent Russian invasion asserting that Russian troops have the right to move around anywhere inside their own territory. NATO'S secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg said there were "significant differences between NATO allies and Russia" over Ukraine. NATO had broken its relations with Russia after Putin's regime annexed the Ukrainian region of Crimea in 2014. US President Biden and the EU have threatened "massive consequences" if Russia invades Ukraine including imposition of large scale sanctions. (With inputs from Agencies)

Amid Ukraine tensions, Russia unveils ‘White Swan’ strategic bomber

Amid tensions at the border with Ukraine,&nbsp;UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Russia was planning a "lightning war that could take out Kyiv” while adding that it " would be a disastrous step”.

Western leaders said it was up to "Russia to undertake visible de-escalation initiatives" as NATO decided to send extra forces to eastern Europe.

US President Joe Biden had a video chat with European leaders to discuss the escalating tension with Russia as the allies sought to put pressure on Putin's regime.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russias-checkmate-why-the-orion-combat-drone-is-a-gamechanger-446455">Also Read in Pics | Russia's 'checkmate': Why the Orion combat drone is a gamechanger</a>

Biden said he was in "total unanimity with all the European leaders" as leaders discussed "joint efforts" to thwart Russia's moves against Ukraine.

The leaders agreed to impose "massive consequences and severe economic costs" as NATO said it will send ships and fighter jets to eastern Europe.

Watch:&nbsp;&nbsp;Countries move diplomats out of Ukraine

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-countries-move-diplomats-out-of-ukraine-447267/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Biden administration said it has put 8,500 troops on alert to be deployed at short notice amid large scale buildup of Russian troops at&nbsp;the Ukraine border.&nbsp;

Russia had reportedly deployed over 100,000 troops on the Ukraine border even as President Putin has rejected warnings from European nations that Russia was set to invade Ukraine. The Kremlin has maintained Russian troops have the right to move anywhere within their own territory.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/satellite-photos-show-russian-troops-deployed-near-ukraine-border-446072">Also Read:&nbsp;Satellite photos show Russian troops deployed near Ukraine border</a>

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby declared that, "Russians have no intention right now of de-escalating" while citing intelligence sources.

However, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell called for calm while stating that there should not be "nervous breakdown" even as UK and Australia ordered their diplomats to leave Ukraine after the US asked its diplomatic staff to leave even as Russia accused NATO of "hysteria."

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid tensions at the border with Ukraine, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Russia was planning a "lightning war that could take out Kyiv” while adding that it " would be a disastrous step”.

Amid tensions at the border with Ukraine, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Russia was planning a "lightning war that could take out Kyiv” while adding that it " would be a disastrous step”. Western leaders said it was up to "Russia to undertake visible de-escalation initiatives" as NATO decided to send extra forces to eastern Europe. US President Joe Biden had a video chat with European leaders to discuss the escalating tension with Russia as the allies sought to put pressure on Putin's regime. Also Read in Pics | Russia's 'checkmate': Why the Orion combat drone is a gamechanger Biden said he was in "total unanimity with all the European leaders" as leaders discussed "joint efforts" to thwart Russia's moves against Ukraine. The leaders agreed to impose "massive consequences and severe economic costs" as NATO said it will send ships and fighter jets to eastern Europe. Watch: Countries move diplomats out of Ukraine The Biden administration said it has put 8,500 troops on alert to be deployed at short notice amid large scale buildup of Russian troops at the Ukraine border. Russia had reportedly deployed over 100,000 troops on the Ukraine border even as President Putin has rejected warnings from European nations that Russia was set to invade Ukraine. The Kremlin has maintained Russian troops have the right to move anywhere within their own territory. Also Read: Satellite photos show Russian troops deployed near Ukraine border Pentagon spokesman John Kirby declared that, "Russians have no intention right now of de-escalating" while citing intelligence sources. However, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell called for calm while stating that there should not be "nervous breakdown" even as UK and Australia ordered their diplomats to leave Ukraine after the US asked its diplomatic staff to leave even as Russia accused NATO of "hysteria." (With inputs from Agencies)

Russia  planning 'lightning war that could take out Kyiv': UK PM Boris Johnson

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