Russian President Vladimir Putin will recognise the independence of eastern Ukraine's separatist republics, the Kremlin said in a statement Monday, adding that he had informed the French and German leaders of his decision.

"The president plans to sign the order in the near future," the Kremlin said in a statement released ahead of Putin's expected national speech.

In phone conversation with Putin, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz "expressed dissatisfaction" over the decision.

"At the same time, they expressed their willingness to maintain contacts," according to the Kremlin.

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<h5>German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned remarks by President Vladimir Putin that Russia could recognise two Kremlin-backed breakaway Ukrainian regions as independent, his office said, news agency Reuters reported.</h5>
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Separately, Moscow claimed that Ukrainian military saboteurs tried to infiltrate Russian territory in armed vehicles, killing five people, an allegation Kyiv condemned as "false news." 
 
Watch | Pentagon says Russia could attack on Ukraine today

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Both events follow a pattern foreseen by Western countries, who accuse Russia of planning to invent a pretext to invade Ukraine by blaming Kyiv for attacks and relying on separatist proxies' appeals for assistance.&nbsp;

Since the commencement of war in southeast Ukraine following a revolution in Kyiv in 2014, Russia has governed and armed the two states, but it has sought to keep them in Ukraine by granting them the power to veto important decisions such as Nato membership. 
 
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-russia-crisis-kyiv-denies-its-saboteurs-crossed-into-moscow-455109">Ukraine-Russia crisis: Kyiv denies its 'saboteurs' crossed into Moscow</a>

Ukraine has stated that any decision by Russia to recognise the regions' independence will be challenged, and that the action will be interpreted as a Russian decision to withdraw from the Minsk agreements, a peace deal inked in 2015 that appears to be on the verge of collapse.&nbsp; 
 
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-be-killed-or-sent-to-camps-us-claims-russia-plans-to-target-dissidents-in-ukraine-455031">'To be killed or sent to camps': US claims Russia plans to target dissidents in Ukraine</a>

Putin may still refuse to recognise the two countries' independence, citing the staged discussion with his advisers as evidence that the western leaders are running out of time to negotiate.

However, it is more likely that he will heed the unanimous recommendation of his aides and close allies and recognise the two areas, thereby upsetting the status quo.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin will recognise the independence of eastern Ukraine's separatist republics, the Kremlin said in a statement Monday, adding that he had informed the French and German leaders of his decision.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will recognise the independence of eastern Ukraine's separatist republics, the Kremlin said in a statement Monday, adding that he had informed the French and German leaders of his decision. "The president plans to sign the order in the near future," the Kremlin said in a statement released ahead of Putin's expected national speech. In phone conversation with Putin, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz "expressed dissatisfaction" over the decision. "At the same time, they expressed their willingness to maintain contacts," according to the Kremlin. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned remarks by President Vladimir Putin that Russia could recognise two Kremlin-backed breakaway Ukrainian regions as independent, his office said, news agency Reuters reported. × Separately, Moscow claimed that Ukrainian military saboteurs tried to infiltrate Russian territory in armed vehicles, killing five people, an allegation Kyiv condemned as "false news." Watch | Pentagon says Russia could attack on Ukraine today Both events follow a pattern foreseen by Western countries, who accuse Russia of planning to invent a pretext to invade Ukraine by blaming Kyiv for attacks and relying on separatist proxies' appeals for assistance. Since the commencement of war in southeast Ukraine following a revolution in Kyiv in 2014, Russia has governed and armed the two states, but it has sought to keep them in Ukraine by granting them the power to veto important decisions such as Nato membership. Also Read | Ukraine-Russia crisis: Kyiv denies its 'saboteurs' crossed into Moscow Ukraine has stated that any decision by Russia to recognise the regions' independence will be challenged, and that the action will be interpreted as a Russian decision to withdraw from the Minsk agreements, a peace deal inked in 2015 that appears to be on the verge of collapse. Also Read | 'To be killed or sent to camps': US claims Russia plans to target dissidents in Ukraine Putin may still refuse to recognise the two countries' independence, citing the staged discussion with his advisers as evidence that the western leaders are running out of time to negotiate. However, it is more likely that he will heed the unanimous recommendation of his aides and close allies and recognise the two areas, thereby upsetting the status quo. (With inputs from agencies)

Vladimir Putin to recognise Ukraine's rebel territories as independent: Kremlin

Donetsk and Lugansk: Ukraine's breakaway republics

Ukraine on Monday denied Kremlin's allegations that its ''saboteurs'' crossed into Russia&nbsp;to stage an attack.

"Not a single one of our soldiers has crossed the border with the Russian Federation, and not a single one has been killed today," Anton Gerashchenko, an official at Ukraine's interior ministry, told reporters.

Russia's military said on Monday that troops and border guards had prevented a "diversionary reconnaissance" group from breaching Russia's border from Ukrainian territory and that five people had been killed.

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Ukraine rejected the report, calling it fake news, and said no Ukrainian forces were present in the Rostov region where the incident was alleged to have taken place.

Russia has massed an estimated 150,000 troops on three sides of Ukraine, the biggest such buildup since the Cold War.&nbsp;

Western officials have warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin is now merely looking for a pretext to invade the country, a western-looking democracy that has defied Moscow’s attempts to pull it back into its orbit.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/strike-force-russias-tornado-s-rocket-system-can-strike-multiple-targets-454294">Strike force: Russia's Tornado-S rocket system can strike multiple targets</a>

Moscow denies it has any plans to attack but wants Western guarantees that NATO won’t allow Ukraine and other former Soviet countries to join as members.&nbsp;

It has also demanded the alliance halt weapons deployments to Ukraine and roll back its forces from Eastern Europe — demands flatly rejected by the West.

Since last week shelling has &nbsp;spiked along the tense line of contact that separates Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed rebels in Ukraine’s eastern industrial heartland of Donbas.&nbsp;

Over 14,000 people have been killed since the conflict erupted there in 2014, shortly after Moscow annexed Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Ukraine on Monday denied Kremlin's allegations that its ''saboteurs'' crossed into Russia to stage an attack. "Not a single one of our soldiers has crossed the border with the Russian Federation, and not a single one has been killed today," Anton Gerashchenko, an official at Ukraine's interior ministry, told reporters.

Ukraine on Monday denied Kremlin's allegations that its ''saboteurs'' crossed into Russia to stage an attack. "Not a single one of our soldiers has crossed the border with the Russian Federation, and not a single one has been killed today," Anton Gerashchenko, an official at Ukraine's interior ministry, told reporters. Russia's military said on Monday that troops and border guards had prevented a "diversionary reconnaissance" group from breaching Russia's border from Ukrainian territory and that five people had been killed. Ukraine rejected the report, calling it fake news, and said no Ukrainian forces were present in the Rostov region where the incident was alleged to have taken place. Russia has massed an estimated 150,000 troops on three sides of Ukraine, the biggest such buildup since the Cold War. Western officials have warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin is now merely looking for a pretext to invade the country, a western-looking democracy that has defied Moscow’s attempts to pull it back into its orbit. Also see | Strike force: Russia's Tornado-S rocket system can strike multiple targets Moscow denies it has any plans to attack but wants Western guarantees that NATO won’t allow Ukraine and other former Soviet countries to join as members. It has also demanded the alliance halt weapons deployments to Ukraine and roll back its forces from Eastern Europe — demands flatly rejected by the West. Since last week shelling has spiked along the tense line of contact that separates Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed rebels in Ukraine’s eastern industrial heartland of Donbas. Over 14,000 people have been killed since the conflict erupted there in 2014, shortly after Moscow annexed Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine-Russia crisis: Kyiv denies its 'saboteurs' crossed into Moscow

Satellite pictures show Russian helicopters still parked in Crimea

Amid tensions with Ukraine at the border, US President Joe Biden said on Saturday that he is "convinced" that President Putin has made the decision to invade Ukraine.

"As of this moment, I'm convinced he's made the decision. We have reason to believe that," Biden said on Putin's plan to attack neighbouring Ukraine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russias-next-wonder-weapon-kedr-intercontinental-ballistic-missile-454013">Also Read in Pics |&nbsp;Russia's next wonder weapon: Kedr intercontinental ballistic missile</a>

Russia had said earlier this week that it&nbsp;had pulled out some troops after military exercise&nbsp;in Belarus and later announced that tank&nbsp;units involved in Crimea were returning to the barracks.

However, the US president warned of an imminent Russian attack despite Putin's recent claims of pullback.

"We believe they will target Ukraine's capital Kyiv, a city of 2.8 million innocent people," the US president added while asserting that "diplomacy is always a possibility."

Watch:&nbsp;Is Moscow manufacturing a pretext for an invasion?

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Biden&nbsp;said Russia could "set up a false justification to act against Ukraine" while pointing out that there are over "150,000 troops arrayed on its border". Ukraine's defence forces said pro-Russian rebels had violated ceasefire 53 times in 24 hours amid escalating tensions at the border.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Observers from the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe said there has been a dramatic rise in "kinetic activity along the contact line in eastern Ukraine" with ceasefire violations taking place.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-crisis-us-thaad-vs-russian-s-400-missile-defence-system-451457">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;&nbsp;US THAAD vs Russian S-400 missile defence system</a>

Biden said Ukraine President Zelenksy's intention to attend the Munich Security Conference may not be a "wise choice" due to the current situation but added that "it's his decision".

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin met Belarus leader&nbsp;Alexander Lukashenko and said there was a "deterioration of the situation". Belarus and Russian forces have been involved in large scale military exercises.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid tensions with Ukraine at the border, US President Joe Biden said on Saturday that he is "convinced" that President Putin has made the decision to invade Ukraine.

Amid tensions with Ukraine at the border, US President Joe Biden said on Saturday that he is "convinced" that President Putin has made the decision to invade Ukraine. "As of this moment, I'm convinced he's made the decision. We have reason to believe that," Biden said on Putin's plan to attack neighbouring Ukraine. Also Read in Pics | Russia's next wonder weapon: Kedr intercontinental ballistic missile Russia had said earlier this week that it had pulled out some troops after military exercise in Belarus and later announced that tank units involved in Crimea were returning to the barracks. However, the US president warned of an imminent Russian attack despite Putin's recent claims of pullback. "We believe they will target Ukraine's capital Kyiv, a city of 2.8 million innocent people," the US president added while asserting that "diplomacy is always a possibility." Watch: Is Moscow manufacturing a pretext for an invasion? Biden said Russia could "set up a false justification to act against Ukraine" while pointing out that there are over "150,000 troops arrayed on its border". Ukraine's defence forces said pro-Russian rebels had violated ceasefire 53 times in 24 hours amid escalating tensions at the border. Meanwhile, Observers from the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe said there has been a dramatic rise in "kinetic activity along the contact line in eastern Ukraine" with ceasefire violations taking place. Also Read in Pics: US THAAD vs Russian S-400 missile defence system Biden said Ukraine President Zelenksy's intention to attend the Munich Security Conference may not be a "wise choice" due to the current situation but added that "it's his decision". Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin met Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko and said there was a "deterioration of the situation". Belarus and Russian forces have been involved in large scale military exercises. (With inputs from Agencies)

I'm convinced he's made the decision, Biden on Putin's plan to attack Ukraine

The number of Russian military stations surrounding Ukraine has risen to 149,000, according to the Ukrainian Defence Minister, Oleksiy Reznikov.

"We are watching the divisions of the Russian troops, which number 129,000. And put together with naval and air components, this figure reaches 149,000," Oleksiy Reznikov told parliament.

Meanwhile, the Russian military launched large-scale strategic force drills on Friday, a striking reminder of the country's nuclear power amid Western fears that Moscow is planning an invasion of Ukraine. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-tanks-returning-to-permanent-bases-after-drills-says-russia-454247">Also read | More tanks returning to permanent bases after drills, says Russia</a>

Russian President Vladimir Putin will personally observe Saturday's drill, which will include repeated mock launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles and cruise missiles, according to the Russian Defence Ministry. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-crisis-how-putin-built-russias-army-as-a-potent-force-453715">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;&nbsp;How Putin built Russia's Army as a potent force</a>

The operations, according to the ministry, were planned a long time ago to test the military command and personnel's readiness, as well as the reliability of Russia's nuclear and conventional weapons.

The drills come after US Vice President Joe Biden warned on Thursday that Russia might attack Ukraine in a matter of days.&nbsp;

Western concerns centre on an estimated 150,000 Russian troops stationed near Ukraine's borders, accounting for around 60% of Russia's total field forces.

The Kremlin maintains that no invasion is planned. 
 
Watch | Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Shelling by Russia-backed separatists in Donbass hits nursery school

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Moscow, on the other hand, has requested that the United States and its allies keep Ukraine and other former Soviet republics out of NATO, refrain from deploying armaments in Ukraine, and withdraw NATO forces from Eastern Europe.

Moscow vowed to use unspecified "military-technical measures" if the West continued to stonewall. Washington and its allies flatly rejected the Russian demands.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The number of Russian military stations surrounding Ukraine has risen to 149,000, according to the Ukrainian Defence Minister, Oleksiy Reznikov. "We are watching the divisions of the Russian troops, which number 129,000.

The number of Russian military stations surrounding Ukraine has risen to 149,000, according to the Ukrainian Defence Minister, Oleksiy Reznikov. "We are watching the divisions of the Russian troops, which number 129,000. And put together with naval and air components, this figure reaches 149,000," Oleksiy Reznikov told parliament. Meanwhile, the Russian military launched large-scale strategic force drills on Friday, a striking reminder of the country's nuclear power amid Western fears that Moscow is planning an invasion of Ukraine. Also read | More tanks returning to permanent bases after drills, says Russia Russian President Vladimir Putin will personally observe Saturday's drill, which will include repeated mock launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles and cruise missiles, according to the Russian Defence Ministry. Also Read in Pics: How Putin built Russia's Army as a potent force The operations, according to the ministry, were planned a long time ago to test the military command and personnel's readiness, as well as the reliability of Russia's nuclear and conventional weapons. The drills come after US Vice President Joe Biden warned on Thursday that Russia might attack Ukraine in a matter of days. Western concerns centre on an estimated 150,000 Russian troops stationed near Ukraine's borders, accounting for around 60% of Russia's total field forces. The Kremlin maintains that no invasion is planned. Watch | Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Shelling by Russia-backed separatists in Donbass hits nursery school Moscow, on the other hand, has requested that the United States and its allies keep Ukraine and other former Soviet republics out of NATO, refrain from deploying armaments in Ukraine, and withdraw NATO forces from Eastern Europe. Moscow vowed to use unspecified "military-technical measures" if the West continued to stonewall. Washington and its allies flatly rejected the Russian demands. (With inputs from agencies)

Number of Russian troops around Ukraine reaches 149,000: Kyiv

Amid tensions with Ukraine, Russia said it was withdrawing more tanks and hardware from the border.

The move comes as European leaders are set to attend the Munich Security Conference with the Ukraine crisis set to dominate.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-crisis-how-putin-built-russias-army-as-a-potent-force-453715">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;&nbsp;How Putin built Russia's Army as a potent force</a>

Russia said a military train carrying personnel and equipment had returned to Nizhny Novgorod region after completing exercises. The defence forces added&nbsp;that ten warplanes were also pulled out&nbsp;of the Crimean region and were being redeployed in other regions for drills.

"Another military train carrying personnel and military equipment belonging to tank army units of the western military district returned to their permanent bases in the Nizhny Novgorod region after completing scheduled exercises," the Russian defence ministry said

Earlier this week Russia had announced it was pulling back some troops involved in drills in Belarus. Russian troops involved in military exercises in Crimea were also returning to their barracks, the military had claimed.

Watch:&nbsp;Our NATO bid process is stalled, says Ukraine president

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The US however said on Thursday that Russia had added 7,000 soldiers along Ukraine's border as President Biden warned that Putin's regime may resort to "false flag" operation to invade Ukraine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/tsirkon-serial-production-russias-race-for-hypersonic-missiles-revealed-452075">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Russia's race for hypersonic missiles revealed</a>

The US claims Russia has massed over 100,000 troops along the Ukraine border in an attempt to invade the country&nbsp;which could take place at any moment. However, Russian President Putin had dismissed reports however he has said Russian troops can move around anywhere within their own territory.

(With inputs from Agencies)&nbsp;

Amid tensions with Ukraine, Russia said it was withdrawing more tanks and hardware from the border. The move comes as European leaders are set to attend the Munich Security Conference with the Ukraine crisis set to dominate.

Amid tensions with Ukraine, Russia said it was withdrawing more tanks and hardware from the border. The move comes as European leaders are set to attend the Munich Security Conference with the Ukraine crisis set to dominate. Also Read in Pics: How Putin built Russia's Army as a potent force Russia said a military train carrying personnel and equipment had returned to Nizhny Novgorod region after completing exercises. The defence forces added that ten warplanes were also pulled out of the Crimean region and were being redeployed in other regions for drills. "Another military train carrying personnel and military equipment belonging to tank army units of the western military district returned to their permanent bases in the Nizhny Novgorod region after completing scheduled exercises," the Russian defence ministry said Earlier this week Russia had announced it was pulling back some troops involved in drills in Belarus. Russian troops involved in military exercises in Crimea were also returning to their barracks, the military had claimed. Watch: Our NATO bid process is stalled, says Ukraine president The US however said on Thursday that Russia had added 7,000 soldiers along Ukraine's border as President Biden warned that Putin's regime may resort to "false flag" operation to invade Ukraine. Also Read in Pics: Russia's race for hypersonic missiles revealed The US claims Russia has massed over 100,000 troops along the Ukraine border in an attempt to invade the country which could take place at any moment. However, Russian President Putin had dismissed reports however he has said Russian troops can move around anywhere within their own territory. (With inputs from Agencies)

More tanks returning to permanent bases after drills, says Russia

Amid reports of Russian troops pulling back, a&nbsp;White House official said today that Russia had added "as many as 7,000 troops" along Ukraine's border.

The White House official said Russia could begin an attack under a "false" pretext at "any moment". Ukraine President Zelensky echoed similar thoughts declaring: "We are seeing small rotations. I would not call these rotations the withdrawal of forces by Russia."

Zelensky inspected drills by Ukrainian forces as tension continues at the border.

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Russia had announced on Wednesday that its forces which had taken part in the Crimea drills were returning to their barracks. Earlier, Putin's regime had announced some troops were pulling back after drills in Belarus.

Watch:&nbsp;US intel fails, Russia says troops returning

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Britain's defence intelligence chief said more armoured vehicles and helicopters were spotted along Ukraine's border.

US secretary of state Antony Blinken while speaking to a US television channel said there was no pullback from Russian troops. "We continue to see critical units moving toward the border, not away from the border," Blinken added.

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Estonian foreign intelligence service director Mikk Marran said at least ten Russian battle groups troops were moving towards the Ukrainian border.&nbsp;

The Biden administration has warned for months that Russia is intent on invading Ukraine. The White House had said last month that Russia may launch an attack between mid-January to mid-February.&nbsp;

Marran warned that Russia could target "key terrain" and could start with missile bombardment. The Estonian intelligence chief said that "if Russia is successful in Ukraine" then "it would encourage it to increase pressure on the Baltics".

President Biden had said on Wednesday that war with Ukraine was still a possibility just hours after Russian announced it was pulling back some troops. The US president demanded proof of Russian pullback even as over 100,000 troops are still stationed at the border with Ukraine.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid reports of Russian troops pulling back, a White House official said today that Russia had added "as many as 7,000 troops" along Ukraine's border. The White House official said Russia could begin an attack under a "false" pretext at "any moment".

Amid reports of Russian troops pulling back, a White House official said today that Russia had added "as many as 7,000 troops" along Ukraine's border. The White House official said Russia could begin an attack under a "false" pretext at "any moment". Ukraine President Zelensky echoed similar thoughts declaring: "We are seeing small rotations. I would not call these rotations the withdrawal of forces by Russia." Zelensky inspected drills by Ukrainian forces as tension continues at the border. Also Read in Pics: Ukraine's US-made Javelin anti-tank missile vs Russian T-72 beasts Russia had announced on Wednesday that its forces which had taken part in the Crimea drills were returning to their barracks. Earlier, Putin's regime had announced some troops were pulling back after drills in Belarus. Watch: US intel fails, Russia says troops returning Britain's defence intelligence chief said more armoured vehicles and helicopters were spotted along Ukraine's border. US secretary of state Antony Blinken while speaking to a US television channel said there was no pullback from Russian troops. "We continue to see critical units moving toward the border, not away from the border," Blinken added. Also Read in Pics: US THAAD vs Russian S-400 missile defence system Estonian foreign intelligence service director Mikk Marran said at least ten Russian battle groups troops were moving towards the Ukrainian border. The Biden administration has warned for months that Russia is intent on invading Ukraine. The White House had said last month that Russia may launch an attack between mid-January to mid-February. Marran warned that Russia could target "key terrain" and could start with missile bombardment. The Estonian intelligence chief said that "if Russia is successful in Ukraine" then "it would encourage it to increase pressure on the Baltics". President Biden had said on Wednesday that war with Ukraine was still a possibility just hours after Russian announced it was pulling back some troops. The US president demanded proof of Russian pullback even as over 100,000 troops are still stationed at the border with Ukraine. (With inputs from Agencies)

'Seeing small rotations': Russia has added more troops along Ukraine's border, says US

America’s chaotic exit from Afghanistan last year was a made-for-TV tragedy — complete with camera-ready scenes of frantic civilians, harried US&nbsp;Marines and helicopters hovering over an embassy roof.

Ukraine is a foreign policy conundrum of an entirely different sort. President Joe Biden’s task is to stop a war from beginning, not to end one with dignity. But even if he wards off a Russian invasion, he shouldn’t expect any ticker tape on Fifth Avenue.

“The politics of foreign policy are rarely fair, and this is the epitome of that kind of situation,” said John Gans, a former Pentagon speechwriter in the Obama administration. “You rarely get credit for the dogs that don’t bark.”

Our New York Times colleagues have been all over the national security aspects of the showdown with Moscow, including the latest news developments, with reporting by Julian E. Barnes and Helene Cooper on how the White House is trying to outfox Russia, and Michael Crowley’s look at Biden’s calculations.

But this is a political newsletter, so we must ask a crass question: Can Ukraine help Biden win back some of the public trust he lost after the Afghanistan pullout?

In conversations in recent days with current and former officials, members of Congress and Capitol Hill aides, we found broad support overall for Biden’s approach to Ukraine, although some Republicans complained about specific aspects of the strategy. But the president’s options for resolving the crisis, many said, could give critics an opening. And, as Biden warned in his remarks Tuesday, confronting Vladimir Putin is not likely to be “painless” for Americans, even if Russia relents.

Quieting the Doubters

For the moment, Biden has faced some criticism on the right, but there’s been no sustained chorus of rebukes from either party.

Republicans aren’t speaking with one voice. They are split between those, like Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, who are agitating for a harder line against Moscow, and skeptics like Tucker Carlson of Fox News who say that Ukraine is not America’s problem. The party in 2018 lost its most prominent hawk, Sen. John McCain of Arizona, while its current leader, Donald Trump, makes for a less than ideal messenger when it comes to Russia.

The White House has also kept leading progressives on board. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., has praised the administration for “doing its best walking a very difficult tightrope,” while Democratic Sens. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Jeff Merkley of Oregon told HuffPost that they support Biden’s strategy.

Unlike with Afghanistan, criticism from the foreign policy establishment has been muted.

“I think they started with a bit of an analytical mistake — that they could have a stable and predictable relationship with Russia so they could focus on China,” said Michael McFaul, a former ambassador to Russia in the Obama administration. “But, generally, I’m impressed.”

Since November, the administration has held more than 300 “diplomatic engagements” with partners and allies. Biden has sent troops to bolster jittery NATO allies in Eastern Europe. And the White House has used information as a weapon of deterrence, declassifying and disclosing intelligence to disrupt possible Russian operations in real-time.

Andrea Kendall-Taylor, a former deputy national intelligence officer for Russia, described this as an effort to “build a common threat picture.”

That much has worked so far. European countries that might otherwise have gone wobbly, notably Germany, have agreed to impose severe sanctions should Putin decide to invade.

“Trump couldn’t have done this,” said Daniel Fried, a longtime Russia expert who retired in 2017 as the State Department’s coordinator for sanctions policy. “Trump wouldn’t have been interested.”

Next Comes the Tricky Part

Putin might still attack, of course, which would raise questions about the White House’s strategy. And he has options short of war, too: Annexing parts of Ukraine. Squeezing Kyiv economically. Wielding Russia’s energy resources to divide European countries. Launching cyberattacks. Forcing up the price of oil.

Giving Putin an off-ramp could require a painful, protracted negotiating process, potentially leading to accusations that the United States is feeding Ukraine to the Russian wolf.

Building a cross-aisle coalition in Washington won’t be easy, either.

On Tuesday, as discussions on a bipartisan bill to penalize Russia broke down, the best Congress could cobble together was a statement expressing solidarity with Ukraine. Two of the holdouts were Cotton and Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, both of whom harbor presidential ambitions. Senate Republicans introduced their own punitive legislation — the Never Yielding Europe’s Territory, or NYET Act, a rhetorical flourish in the form of a bill that would halt Nord Stream 2, a Baltic Sea gas pipeline meant to bypass Ukraine.

The proposal was a reminder that Republicans have a megaphone but no real responsibility. And in an election year, national security can get political in a hurry.

Don’t Expect a Ukraine Bump

Historically, any effect that foreign crises have on public opinion tends to be ephemeral.

After John F. Kennedy led the United States out of the Cuban missile crisis, his approval rating soared to 76%. By the time of his assassination a year later, it had fallen to the upper 50s. George H.W. Bush’s approval rating reached 89% after the first Gulf War, but it sank to 29% as the economy slumped, and he lost reelection to Bill Clinton. Killing Osama bin Laden bought Barack Obama about a month of buoyant poll numbers, at most.

But when things go wrong abroad, the damage to a president’s credibility can be devastating. Lyndon B. Johnson declined to run for reelection after the Tet Offensive in Vietnam helped drive his approval ratings into the mid-30s. The seizure of U.S. hostages in Iran paralyzed Jimmy Carter, contributing to his defeat in 1980. And although George W. Bush was reelected in 2004, Iraq haunted the remainder of his presidency.

David Axelrod, a former senior adviser to Obama, said that Biden has been “very smart, strong and deliberate” on Ukraine. “Even as most Americans are focused closer to home,” he added, “‘smart, strong and deliberate’ are welcome adjectives for this president after a challenging six months.”

Should Putin gain the upper hand, though, history’s judgment could be harsh. And even if things go well, some question the wisdom of devoting so much attention to a region that represents the geopolitical past, not its future.

“We have to focus on China,” said Elbridge Colby, a former Pentagon official in the Trump administration. “The military situation in Asia is increasingly acute, and we’re way behind. Russia’s a secondary issue.”

America’s chaotic exit from Afghanistan last year was a made-for-TV tragedy — complete with camera-ready scenes of frantic civilians, harried US Marines and helicopters hovering over an embassy roof.

America’s chaotic exit from Afghanistan last year was a made-for-TV tragedy — complete with camera-ready scenes of frantic civilians, harried US Marines and helicopters hovering over an embassy roof. Ukraine is a foreign policy conundrum of an entirely different sort. President Joe Biden’s task is to stop a war from beginning, not to end one with dignity. But even if he wards off a Russian invasion, he shouldn’t expect any ticker tape on Fifth Avenue. “The politics of foreign policy are rarely fair, and this is the epitome of that kind of situation,” said John Gans, a former Pentagon speechwriter in the Obama administration. “You rarely get credit for the dogs that don’t bark.” Our New York Times colleagues have been all over the national security aspects of the showdown with Moscow, including the latest news developments, with reporting by Julian E. Barnes and Helene Cooper on how the White House is trying to outfox Russia, and Michael Crowley’s look at Biden’s calculations. But this is a political newsletter, so we must ask a crass question: Can Ukraine help Biden win back some of the public trust he lost after the Afghanistan pullout? In conversations in recent days with current and former officials, members of Congress and Capitol Hill aides, we found broad support overall for Biden’s approach to Ukraine, although some Republicans complained about specific aspects of the strategy. But the president’s options for resolving the crisis, many said, could give critics an opening. And, as Biden warned in his remarks Tuesday, confronting Vladimir Putin is not likely to be “painless” for Americans, even if Russia relents. Quieting the Doubters For the moment, Biden has faced some criticism on the right, but there’s been no sustained chorus of rebukes from either party. Republicans aren’t speaking with one voice. They are split between those, like Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, who are agitating for a harder line against Moscow, and skeptics like Tucker Carlson of Fox News who say that Ukraine is not America’s problem. The party in 2018 lost its most prominent hawk, Sen. John McCain of Arizona, while its current leader, Donald Trump, makes for a less than ideal messenger when it comes to Russia. The White House has also kept leading progressives on board. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., has praised the administration for “doing its best walking a very difficult tightrope,” while Democratic Sens. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Jeff Merkley of Oregon told HuffPost that they support Biden’s strategy. Unlike with Afghanistan, criticism from the foreign policy establishment has been muted. “I think they started with a bit of an analytical mistake — that they could have a stable and predictable relationship with Russia so they could focus on China,” said Michael McFaul, a former ambassador to Russia in the Obama administration. “But, generally, I’m impressed.” Since November, the administration has held more than 300 “diplomatic engagements” with partners and allies. Biden has sent troops to bolster jittery NATO allies in Eastern Europe. And the White House has used information as a weapon of deterrence, declassifying and disclosing intelligence to disrupt possible Russian operations in real-time. Andrea Kendall-Taylor, a former deputy national intelligence officer for Russia, described this as an effort to “build a common threat picture.” That much has worked so far. European countries that might otherwise have gone wobbly, notably Germany, have agreed to impose severe sanctions should Putin decide to invade. “Trump couldn’t have done this,” said Daniel Fried, a longtime Russia expert who retired in 2017 as the State Department’s coordinator for sanctions policy. “Trump wouldn’t have been interested.” Next Comes the Tricky Part Putin might still attack, of course, which would raise questions about the White House’s strategy. And he has options short of war, too: Annexing parts of Ukraine. Squeezing Kyiv economically. Wielding Russia’s energy resources to divide European countries. Launching cyberattacks. Forcing up the price of oil. Giving Putin an off-ramp could require a painful, protracted negotiating process, potentially leading to accusations that the United States is feeding Ukraine to the Russian wolf. Building a cross-aisle coalition in Washington won’t be easy, either. On Tuesday, as discussions on a bipartisan bill to penalize Russia broke down, the best Congress could cobble together was a statement expressing solidarity with Ukraine. Two of the holdouts were Cotton and Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, both of whom harbor presidential ambitions. Senate Republicans introduced their own punitive legislation — the Never Yielding Europe’s Territory, or NYET Act, a rhetorical flourish in the form of a bill that would halt Nord Stream 2, a Baltic Sea gas pipeline meant to bypass Ukraine. The proposal was a reminder that Republicans have a megaphone but no real responsibility. And in an election year, national security can get political in a hurry. Don’t Expect a Ukraine Bump Historically, any effect that foreign crises have on public opinion tends to be ephemeral. After John F. Kennedy led the United States out of the Cuban missile crisis, his approval rating soared to 76%. By the time of his assassination a year later, it had fallen to the upper 50s. George H.W. Bush’s approval rating reached 89% after the first Gulf War, but it sank to 29% as the economy slumped, and he lost reelection to Bill Clinton. Killing Osama bin Laden bought Barack Obama about a month of buoyant poll numbers, at most. But when things go wrong abroad, the damage to a president’s credibility can be devastating. Lyndon B. Johnson declined to run for reelection after the Tet Offensive in Vietnam helped drive his approval ratings into the mid-30s. The seizure of U.S. hostages in Iran paralyzed Jimmy Carter, contributing to his defeat in 1980. And although George W. Bush was reelected in 2004, Iraq haunted the remainder of his presidency. David Axelrod, a former senior adviser to Obama, said that Biden has been “very smart, strong and deliberate” on Ukraine. “Even as most Americans are focused closer to home,” he added, “‘smart, strong and deliberate’ are welcome adjectives for this president after a challenging six months.” Should Putin gain the upper hand, though, history’s judgment could be harsh. And even if things go well, some question the wisdom of devoting so much attention to a region that represents the geopolitical past, not its future. “We have to focus on China,” said Elbridge Colby, a former Pentagon official in the Trump administration. “The military situation in Asia is increasingly acute, and we’re way behind. Russia’s a secondary issue.”

On Ukraine crisis, Biden seeks to show his mettle

Russia's next wonder weapon: Kedr intercontinental ballistic missile

Britain's Foreign Secretary, Liz Truss, of the United Kingdom, has advised Western countries not to be deceived by Russia's assertions that it is withdrawing its military from Ukraine.

He said that "the West should not be fooled by Russia's claims that it is pulling forces away from Ukraine."

The West, Ukraine, and Britain's European allies have all raised the alarm over Russia's "imminent" invasion danger.

According to Truss' office, the Russian Army is "growing more dangerous rather than less dangerous."

Truss is set to warn Putin, Russia's authoritarian leader, that his country must "respect the sovereignty of others and honour their promises."&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seeing-small-rotations-russia-has-added-more-troops-along-ukraines-border-says-us-453883">Also read | 'Seeing small rotations': Russia has added more troops along Ukraine's border, says US</a>

James Heappey, the UK's armed forces minister, has expressed concern that Russian footage purporting to show troops retreating is false.

On the other hand, Moscow rejects preparations to invade Ukraine, claiming that some of the 100,000 troops stationed along the border are departing following military drills.

This report has been termed "false" by a senior US official, who claims that 7,000 additional Russian troops have arrived on Ukraine's borders in recent days.

The insider further stated that Russia may invade Ukraine "at any time" under a "false" pretext.

Watch:&nbsp;US intel fails, Russia says troops returning

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-intel-fails-russia-says-troops-returning-453861/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine stated that he had yet to see any Russian forces leave the country.

According to Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, there is no evidence that Russian forces are de-escalating.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Ukraine and Russia-backed rebels have accused one another of violating a cease-fire deal in Ukraine's eastern Donbas region by starting fire.

According to the rebels, the Ukrainian military shelled multiple places under their control in the last 24 hours in an attempt by Kyiv to "intensify the situation."

(With inputs from agencies)

Britain's Foreign Secretary, Liz Truss, of the United Kingdom, has advised Western countries not to be deceived by Russia's assertions that it is withdrawing its military from Ukraine.

Britain's Foreign Secretary, Liz Truss, of the United Kingdom, has advised Western countries not to be deceived by Russia's assertions that it is withdrawing its military from Ukraine. He said that "the West should not be fooled by Russia's claims that it is pulling forces away from Ukraine." The West, Ukraine, and Britain's European allies have all raised the alarm over Russia's "imminent" invasion danger. According to Truss' office, the Russian Army is "growing more dangerous rather than less dangerous." Truss is set to warn Putin, Russia's authoritarian leader, that his country must "respect the sovereignty of others and honour their promises." Also read | 'Seeing small rotations': Russia has added more troops along Ukraine's border, says US James Heappey, the UK's armed forces minister, has expressed concern that Russian footage purporting to show troops retreating is false. On the other hand, Moscow rejects preparations to invade Ukraine, claiming that some of the 100,000 troops stationed along the border are departing following military drills. This report has been termed "false" by a senior US official, who claims that 7,000 additional Russian troops have arrived on Ukraine's borders in recent days. The insider further stated that Russia may invade Ukraine "at any time" under a "false" pretext. Watch: US intel fails, Russia says troops returning President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine stated that he had yet to see any Russian forces leave the country. According to Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, there is no evidence that Russian forces are de-escalating. Meanwhile, Ukraine and Russia-backed rebels have accused one another of violating a cease-fire deal in Ukraine's eastern Donbas region by starting fire. According to the rebels, the Ukrainian military shelled multiple places under their control in the last 24 hours in an attempt by Kyiv to "intensify the situation." (With inputs from agencies)

The West must not be fooled by Russia's claims: UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss

Satellite pictures: New Pontoon bridge & Russian troop deployment along Ukraine

The approval ratings of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has fallen down amid conflict with Russia.

“The biggest risk for Ukraine and the biggest risk for the sovereignty of our state … is destabilization within our state,” Zelensky said.

But Ukrainians have little confidence that Zelenskyy can ensure that stability. According to a poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, only 30 per cent&nbsp;of the country’s people want Zelenskyy to run for a second term and even fewer,&nbsp;23&nbsp;per cent, would vote for him.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/amid-border-tensions-with-russia-ukraine-special-forces-offer-training-to-civilians-453176/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Zelinsky initially made his name in Ukraine as a comic actor portraying on television a teacher who inadvertently becomes president after railing against corruption.

Ukraine’s next parliamentary election will be held in 2023 and all opinion polls show that the ruling pro-presidential Servant of the People party may lose control of parliament. This would complicate Zelenskyy’s ambitions for another term in 2024, so the political landscape could change drastically.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/war-zone-ukraines-us-made-javelin-anti-tank-missile-vs-russian-t-72-beasts-451693">War zone: Ukraine's US-made Javelin anti-tank missile vs Russian T-72 beasts</a>

Although Russia has massed tens of thousands of troops near Ukraine's borders, Zelenskiy has repeatedly pushed back against warnings by the United States and other NATO allies that Russia could attack Ukraine at any moment.

There are currently nearly 250,000 people in Ukraine's armed forces, which are vastly outnumbered and outgunned by Russia's.

NATO member states have rallied round Ukraine in recent weeks, with the United States, Britain and Poland among countries offering military aid and calling for tough sanctions on Moscow if Russia launches an attack.

Moscow has denied any plans to invade Ukraine but has demand sweeping security guarantees from the West, including a promise that Kyiv can never join NATO.

(With inputs from agencies)

The approval ratings of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has fallen down amid conflict with Russia. “The biggest risk for Ukraine and the biggest risk for the sovereignty of our state … is destabilization within our state,” Zelensky said.

The approval ratings of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has fallen down amid conflict with Russia. “The biggest risk for Ukraine and the biggest risk for the sovereignty of our state … is destabilization within our state,” Zelensky said. But Ukrainians have little confidence that Zelenskyy can ensure that stability. According to a poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, only 30 per cent of the country’s people want Zelenskyy to run for a second term and even fewer, 23 per cent, would vote for him. Zelinsky initially made his name in Ukraine as a comic actor portraying on television a teacher who inadvertently becomes president after railing against corruption. Ukraine’s next parliamentary election will be held in 2023 and all opinion polls show that the ruling pro-presidential Servant of the People party may lose control of parliament. This would complicate Zelenskyy’s ambitions for another term in 2024, so the political landscape could change drastically. Also see | War zone: Ukraine's US-made Javelin anti-tank missile vs Russian T-72 beasts Although Russia has massed tens of thousands of troops near Ukraine's borders, Zelenskiy has repeatedly pushed back against warnings by the United States and other NATO allies that Russia could attack Ukraine at any moment. There are currently nearly 250,000 people in Ukraine's armed forces, which are vastly outnumbered and outgunned by Russia's. NATO member states have rallied round Ukraine in recent weeks, with the United States, Britain and Poland among countries offering military aid and calling for tough sanctions on Moscow if Russia launches an attack. Moscow has denied any plans to invade Ukraine but has demand sweeping security guarantees from the West, including a promise that Kyiv can never join NATO. (With inputs from agencies)

Approval ratings of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky fall amid Russia conflict

Russia-Belarus drill: Fighters, tanks, Tornado rocket launchers in operation

A silver lining amidst ongoing tensions in eastern Ukraine is the revival of the Normandy Format. Comprising of Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany, it is the only platform which brings the two key adversaries in the current faceoff i.e. Moscow and Kiev, to the negotiating table.

The involvement of Paris and Berlin, vital pillars of European security architecture, has added to the guarded optimism of a de-escalation.

Notably, in the absence of viable alternatives to dialogue, whether to prevent or resolve a conflict, the scope and importance of the Normandy Format has grown manifold. The pertinent question, therefore, is whether the Normandy Format can genuinely lower the temperature in Eastern Europe.

History

The origin of the Normandy Format can be traced to the attempts by France and Germany in 2014 to resolve the vexed issue of alleged Russia-backed separatism in eastern Ukraine.

Coming on the heels of the Kremlin’s annexation of Crimea, there existed a real danger of further escalation in conflict that could engulf large sections of Europe. Therefore, the meeting of the four heads of states in Normandy, held against the backdrop of the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of Allied forces landing in Normandy during the Second World War, was aimed at resolving festering issues.

The Normandy Format showed great promise when it facilitated the signing of the Minsk agreements in 2014 and 2015. These accords provided a blueprint to diffuse tensions.

However, the devil, as always, lay in the details. For instance, the proposed decentralisation of power in the separatist-held regions would have resulted in a loose confederation, enabling Russia to continue to decisively influence outcomes in eastern Ukraine which is why, while a weakened Ukraine agreed to such terms, it subsequently refused to abide by them as they were too onerous. With the Normandy Format unable to resolve the impasse, the grouping became largely defunct in 2019.

Revival

Nevertheless, the unprecedented flurry of meetings in the Normandy Format since the beginning of the year highlight a rethink among its stakeholders. And each side appears to have its own tactical as well as strategic motives in staying engaged - a positive sign amidst the sharpening of rhetoric.

Notably, the roll of the dice appears to favour Russia in the Normandy Format. With France and Germany emphasising on the Minsk agreements being the Holy Grail to resolve the Ukrainian standoff, the grouping allows Moscow to mount diplomatic pressure on Kiev.

The Minsk agreements would inevitably enable Russia to expand its influence in Ukraine. Russia could also deploy its proxies in a federalised set-up to veto Kiev’s NATO membership.

NATO expansion remains one of Russia’s core redlines. The alternative to dialogue for Russia - an armed intervention - is fraught with the risk of serious geopolitical isolation. Moreover, engaging Paris and Berlin fits in the Russian calculus of “Europeans determining Europe’s security”, a Russian euphemism for excluding the US from the regional security architecture.

Meanwhile, Ukraine may have its back to the wall vis-à-vis the Minsk agreements, yet diplomacy keeps at bay a Russian military onslaught where the odds are stacked heavily against it.

It also buys time for Ukraine to augment its fledging defences as well as shore up international support. Further, side-stepping negotiations with Russia would likely run foul of Kiev’s European sympathisers who do not seem to have the appetite for an armed confrontation with Moscow.

France and Germany, meanwhile, appear to have adopted a pragmatic approach of striving for strategic stability with Russia – a large European power they cannot wish away. Given Russia’s escalation dominance advantage in its immediate neighbourhood, picking up the battle for a non-NATO state has not found many takers.

This is particularly relevant in the context of European apprehensions about the United States security commitment. The fears of Europe having to deal with a military fallout on its own has led the two European powerhouses to make a clarion call for strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy. Needless to say, the collateral damage of an armed conflict would be France and Germany’s vibrant economic linkages with Moscow.

Prospects

Nevertheless, it would be premature to envision a cessation of hostilities in Eastern Europe. The elephant in the room continues to be the US which is not a party to the Normandy Format.

Russia’s broader demand for legally binding security guarantees can largely be addressed by Washington, amidst Europe having outsourced its security to the US. But Russia and the US appear some way off in finding the proverbial sweet spot there. It can only be hoped that

keeping channels of communication open is an indication that perhaps there could be an alternative to military conflict.

Closer home, any thaw in tensions will suit India. A Russia-West confrontation puts India in a difficult spot as there is no gainsaying that India’s ties with both Moscow and the West remain mutually beneficial.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

A silver lining amidst ongoing tensions in eastern Ukraine is the revival of the Normandy Format. Comprising of Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany, it is the only platform which brings the two key adversaries in the current faceoff i.

A silver lining amidst ongoing tensions in eastern Ukraine is the revival of the Normandy Format. Comprising of Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany, it is the only platform which brings the two key adversaries in the current faceoff i.e. Moscow and Kiev, to the negotiating table. The involvement of Paris and Berlin, vital pillars of European security architecture, has added to the guarded optimism of a de-escalation. Notably, in the absence of viable alternatives to dialogue, whether to prevent or resolve a conflict, the scope and importance of the Normandy Format has grown manifold. The pertinent question, therefore, is whether the Normandy Format can genuinely lower the temperature in Eastern Europe. History The origin of the Normandy Format can be traced to the attempts by France and Germany in 2014 to resolve the vexed issue of alleged Russia-backed separatism in eastern Ukraine. Coming on the heels of the Kremlin’s annexation of Crimea, there existed a real danger of further escalation in conflict that could engulf large sections of Europe. Therefore, the meeting of the four heads of states in Normandy, held against the backdrop of the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of Allied forces landing in Normandy during the Second World War, was aimed at resolving festering issues. The Normandy Format showed great promise when it facilitated the signing of the Minsk agreements in 2014 and 2015. These accords provided a blueprint to diffuse tensions. However, the devil, as always, lay in the details. For instance, the proposed decentralisation of power in the separatist-held regions would have resulted in a loose confederation, enabling Russia to continue to decisively influence outcomes in eastern Ukraine which is why, while a weakened Ukraine agreed to such terms, it subsequently refused to abide by them as they were too onerous. With the Normandy Format unable to resolve the impasse, the grouping became largely defunct in 2019. Revival Nevertheless, the unprecedented flurry of meetings in the Normandy Format since the beginning of the year highlight a rethink among its stakeholders. And each side appears to have its own tactical as well as strategic motives in staying engaged - a positive sign amidst the sharpening of rhetoric. Notably, the roll of the dice appears to favour Russia in the Normandy Format. With France and Germany emphasising on the Minsk agreements being the Holy Grail to resolve the Ukrainian standoff, the grouping allows Moscow to mount diplomatic pressure on Kiev. The Minsk agreements would inevitably enable Russia to expand its influence in Ukraine. Russia could also deploy its proxies in a federalised set-up to veto Kiev’s NATO membership. NATO expansion remains one of Russia’s core redlines. The alternative to dialogue for Russia - an armed intervention - is fraught with the risk of serious geopolitical isolation. Moreover, engaging Paris and Berlin fits in the Russian calculus of “Europeans determining Europe’s security”, a Russian euphemism for excluding the US from the regional security architecture. Meanwhile, Ukraine may have its back to the wall vis-à-vis the Minsk agreements, yet diplomacy keeps at bay a Russian military onslaught where the odds are stacked heavily against it. It also buys time for Ukraine to augment its fledging defences as well as shore up international support. Further, side-stepping negotiations with Russia would likely run foul of Kiev’s European sympathisers who do not seem to have the appetite for an armed confrontation with Moscow. France and Germany, meanwhile, appear to have adopted a pragmatic approach of striving for strategic stability with Russia – a large European power they cannot wish away. Given Russia’s escalation dominance advantage in its immediate neighbourhood, picking up the battle for a non-NATO state has not found many takers. This is particularly relevant in the context of European apprehensions about the United States security commitment. The fears of Europe having to deal with a military fallout on its own has led the two European powerhouses to make a clarion call for strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy. Needless to say, the collateral damage of an armed conflict would be France and Germany’s vibrant economic linkages with Moscow. Prospects Nevertheless, it would be premature to envision a cessation of hostilities in Eastern Europe. The elephant in the room continues to be the US which is not a party to the Normandy Format. Russia’s broader demand for legally binding security guarantees can largely be addressed by Washington, amidst Europe having outsourced its security to the US. But Russia and the US appear some way off in finding the proverbial sweet spot there. It can only be hoped that keeping channels of communication open is an indication that perhaps there could be an alternative to military conflict. Closer home, any thaw in tensions will suit India. A Russia-West confrontation puts India in a difficult spot as there is no gainsaying that India’s ties with both Moscow and the West remain mutually beneficial. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

Normandy Format: Key to de-escalation of tensions in eastern Europe?

Amid tensions with Russia, French President Macron called for "firm" dialogue with Putin's even as Russian warships made their way to the Black Sea for naval drills.

"We must find ways and means together to engage in a firm dialogue with Russia," Macron said, adding that it is the "only path to peace in Ukraine". The French president shuttled between Russia and Ukraine in an attempt to broker peace.

Meanwhile, Russian warships made their way towards the Black Sea on Tuesday, passing through Turkey's Bosphorus strait in a pre-planned military drill announced earlier.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/target-ukraine-us-f-35-vs-russian-air-force-su-57-jets-who-wins-450431">Also Read in Pics |&nbsp;Target Ukraine: US F-35 vs Russian Air Force SU-57 jets, who wins?</a>

President Tayyip Erdogan has also offered to mediate between Russia and Ukraine with Turkey being a NATO member. Russian warships &nbsp;Korolev, the Minsk and the Kaliningrad passed through the Bosphorus on Tuesday with another three warships - Olenegorsky Gornyak, Georgy Pobedonosets and Pyotr Morgunov set to pass on Wednesday.

The United States has warned for the past few months that Russia is ready to invade Ukraine as it has massed over 100,000 troops along Ukraine's border, President Putin in recent days however has categorically dismissed the report but has insisted that NATO should not extend its border to the eastern front.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia vs Ukraine: Can diplomacy deliver?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-ukraine-direct-russia-vs-ukraine-can-diplomacy-deliver-451571/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In a security document submitted to NATO and the United States last month, the Kremlin had insisted that NATO should not induct former Soviet countries into its fold referring to Ukraine. The European alliance however dismissed the suggestion.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-crisis-us-thaad-vs-russian-s-400-missile-defence-system-451457">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;&nbsp;US THAAD vs Russian S-400 missile defence system</a>

Last week, at least 2,000 US troops had arrived in Europe as part of President Biden's push to deploy troops in Romania and Poland to bolster Ukraine and to keep Russia at bay amid hectic diplomatic activity.

After President Macron's visit to the crisis centres, EU's diplomatic chief Josep Borrell pointed out that there is &nbsp;an "element of detente" while adding that "as far as people are willing to sit at the table and talk I think that there is a hope for not going into military confrontation." &nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid tensions with Russia, French President Macron called for "firm" dialogue with Putin's even as Russian warships made their way to the Black Sea for naval drills.

Amid tensions with Russia, French President Macron called for "firm" dialogue with Putin's even as Russian warships made their way to the Black Sea for naval drills. "We must find ways and means together to engage in a firm dialogue with Russia," Macron said, adding that it is the "only path to peace in Ukraine". The French president shuttled between Russia and Ukraine in an attempt to broker peace. Meanwhile, Russian warships made their way towards the Black Sea on Tuesday, passing through Turkey's Bosphorus strait in a pre-planned military drill announced earlier. Also Read in Pics | Target Ukraine: US F-35 vs Russian Air Force SU-57 jets, who wins? President Tayyip Erdogan has also offered to mediate between Russia and Ukraine with Turkey being a NATO member. Russian warships Korolev, the Minsk and the Kaliningrad passed through the Bosphorus on Tuesday with another three warships - Olenegorsky Gornyak, Georgy Pobedonosets and Pyotr Morgunov set to pass on Wednesday. The United States has warned for the past few months that Russia is ready to invade Ukraine as it has massed over 100,000 troops along Ukraine's border, President Putin in recent days however has categorically dismissed the report but has insisted that NATO should not extend its border to the eastern front. Watch | Russia vs Ukraine: Can diplomacy deliver? In a security document submitted to NATO and the United States last month, the Kremlin had insisted that NATO should not induct former Soviet countries into its fold referring to Ukraine. The European alliance however dismissed the suggestion. Also Read in Pics: US THAAD vs Russian S-400 missile defence system Last week, at least 2,000 US troops had arrived in Europe as part of President Biden's push to deploy troops in Romania and Poland to bolster Ukraine and to keep Russia at bay amid hectic diplomatic activity. After President Macron's visit to the crisis centres, EU's diplomatic chief Josep Borrell pointed out that there is an "element of detente" while adding that "as far as people are willing to sit at the table and talk I think that there is a hope for not going into military confrontation." (With inputs from Agencies)

Ukraine crisis: Macron pushes for peace as Russian warships head to the Black Sea for drills

India’s diplomatic boycott of the Winter Olympics in Beijing this week was another balancing act of a piece with its position on Ukraine in the UN Security Council meeting last week. In both cases, the Government of India made a virtue of not taking a stand by appearing to take a stand. &nbsp;

New Delhi’s boycott of the opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing games is calculated to impress that it wants to be counted on the side of the US-led West, though for reasons ostensibly different from what actuated the so-called international community’s boycott of the Winter Olympics. This is borne out by the fact that the Indian ‘contingent’ to the games comprising a single athlete took part in the event. &nbsp;

Similarly, at the January 31 meeting of the UN Security Council, India abstained from the vote-seeking a discussion on Ukraine to underscore its tilt towards the Russian position.&nbsp;&nbsp;While ten UNSC members including the US, the UK and France voted in favour of discussions, Russia and China made a bid to block discussions. As an abstainer, India found itself in the company of Kenya and Gabon, which is not very flattering for a country perceived as a “leading power”.&nbsp;

Although the stated reason for India’s diplomatic boycott is China according a prominent role in the Olympic ceremonies to a People’s Liberation Army soldier who saw action in Galwan, it is no secret that this was only to justify India being on the same side as the West; but without appearing as a camp follower of the West-led “international community”. &nbsp;

Today, India is aligned with the US as it has never been before. In recent years, India-US ties have deepened across many tracks with the military-strategic facet of the relationship reinforced by the logistics agreement.

At the same time, India’s relations with China have worsened, especially after the military face-off in eastern Ladakh. India-Russia ties are strong and of strategic importance with defence cooperation as crucial as the one India has with the US. India buys huge quantities of military hardware from both the US and Russia.&nbsp;

Therefore, at the UNSC, on the issue of Ukraine, India did not want to be seen as taking sides in the raging conflict between the US and Russia. New Delhi adopted a nuanced position calculated to safeguard its interests with both the US and Russia.

India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, T S Tirumurti said, “India’s interest is in finding a solution that can provide for immediate de-escalation of tensions taking into account the legitimate security interests of all countries and aimed towards securing long term peace and stability in the region and beyond”. Such an articulation implied neither criticism of Russia’s actions nor an endorsement of the US-led moves against Russia. &nbsp;

While Russia might be relieved and the US disappointed by India’s failure to choose sides, the tightrope walk shows that India is determined not to be drawn into a big power conflict. To that extent, India’s leverage with all of the P-5 countries may be diminished because pressure from rival power centres would make it difficult to walk the middle ground at all times. &nbsp;

It is in the nature of big power games involving international alliances such as Russia-China and the Western bloc that countries which do not take sides may find themselves stuck with the compulsions and consequences of their balancing acts. There might be tricky challenges to negotiate in forums such as, one, BRICS and RIC, where GoI has to make common cause and get on with China and Russia without raising US hackles; and, two, the US-led Quad in the Indo-Pacific where India, along with Australia and Japan, may find itself pitted against China on another front.&nbsp;

The Quad foreign ministers meeting in Australia this week may provide some pointers to how India would play its hand in bloc politics driven by big power rivalry.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

What is clear though is that India will have to settle for a lower profile among the movers and shakers on the world stage at a time when, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, the global order is changing. In this situation of flux, in external affairs, India would have to constantly guard against differences becoming disputes and bear in mind that "domestic reforms truly have a global significance".&nbsp;

As External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar underscored, “If India is to have a place at the high table, it must transform itself”.&nbsp;&nbsp;And, the world, particularly the neighbourhood, would be watching how India transforms itself.&nbsp;

The author is Editorial Consultant,&nbsp;WION TV.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) 
&nbsp;

India’s diplomatic boycott of the Winter Olympics in Beijing this week was another balancing act of a piece with its position on Ukraine in the UN Security Council meeting last week.

India’s diplomatic boycott of the Winter Olympics in Beijing this week was another balancing act of a piece with its position on Ukraine in the UN Security Council meeting last week. In both cases, the Government of India made a virtue of not taking a stand by appearing to take a stand. New Delhi’s boycott of the opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing games is calculated to impress that it wants to be counted on the side of the US-led West, though for reasons ostensibly different from what actuated the so-called international community’s boycott of the Winter Olympics. This is borne out by the fact that the Indian ‘contingent’ to the games comprising a single athlete took part in the event. Similarly, at the January 31 meeting of the UN Security Council, India abstained from the vote-seeking a discussion on Ukraine to underscore its tilt towards the Russian position. While ten UNSC members including the US, the UK and France voted in favour of discussions, Russia and China made a bid to block discussions. As an abstainer, India found itself in the company of Kenya and Gabon, which is not very flattering for a country perceived as a “leading power”. Although the stated reason for India’s diplomatic boycott is China according a prominent role in the Olympic ceremonies to a People’s Liberation Army soldier who saw action in Galwan, it is no secret that this was only to justify India being on the same side as the West; but without appearing as a camp follower of the West-led “international community”. Today, India is aligned with the US as it has never been before. In recent years, India-US ties have deepened across many tracks with the military-strategic facet of the relationship reinforced by the logistics agreement. At the same time, India’s relations with China have worsened, especially after the military face-off in eastern Ladakh. India-Russia ties are strong and of strategic importance with defence cooperation as crucial as the one India has with the US. India buys huge quantities of military hardware from both the US and Russia. Therefore, at the UNSC, on the issue of Ukraine, India did not want to be seen as taking sides in the raging conflict between the US and Russia. New Delhi adopted a nuanced position calculated to safeguard its interests with both the US and Russia. India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, T S Tirumurti said, “India’s interest is in finding a solution that can provide for immediate de-escalation of tensions taking into account the legitimate security interests of all countries and aimed towards securing long term peace and stability in the region and beyond”. Such an articulation implied neither criticism of Russia’s actions nor an endorsement of the US-led moves against Russia. While Russia might be relieved and the US disappointed by India’s failure to choose sides, the tightrope walk shows that India is determined not to be drawn into a big power conflict. To that extent, India’s leverage with all of the P-5 countries may be diminished because pressure from rival power centres would make it difficult to walk the middle ground at all times. It is in the nature of big power games involving international alliances such as Russia-China and the Western bloc that countries which do not take sides may find themselves stuck with the compulsions and consequences of their balancing acts. There might be tricky challenges to negotiate in forums such as, one, BRICS and RIC, where GoI has to make common cause and get on with China and Russia without raising US hackles; and, two, the US-led Quad in the Indo-Pacific where India, along with Australia and Japan, may find itself pitted against China on another front. The Quad foreign ministers meeting in Australia this week may provide some pointers to how India would play its hand in bloc politics driven by big power rivalry. What is clear though is that India will have to settle for a lower profile among the movers and shakers on the world stage at a time when, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, the global order is changing. In this situation of flux, in external affairs, India would have to constantly guard against differences becoming disputes and bear in mind that "domestic reforms truly have a global significance". As External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar underscored, “If India is to have a place at the high table, it must transform itself”. And, the world, particularly the neighbourhood, would be watching how India transforms itself. The author is Editorial Consultant, WION TV. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

On The Margin | Big power games trap India on a tightrope

Amid tensions with Russia, US President Joe Biden said that "if Russia invades then there will be no longer a Nord Stream 2."

The US president was speaking during a joint news conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz who backed the idea of blocking the pipeline.

"We are acting together. We are absolutely united and we will not be taking different steps," the German Chancellor said.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he was ready for a compromise after his talks with French President Emmanuel Macron.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraines-challenge-how-russia-uses-spetsnaz-as-tip-of-the-spear-450702">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Ukraine's challenge: How Russia uses Spetsnaz as 'tip of the spear'&nbsp;</a>

"A number of his ideas, proposals are possible as a basis for further steps," the Russian president said, adding, "We will do everything to find compromises that suit everyone."

President Macron is set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Tuesday amid hectic diplomatic activity to prevent an invasion which the US has warned would have disastrous consequences for Russia.

Watch:&nbsp;WION's ringside at Ukraine military drill

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-wion-ringside-at-ukraine-military-drill-451350/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

President Biden said Russia has to adhere to "long-standing principles of rules-based international order" as he asserted that Germany and the US have been working closely to find "diplomatic resolutions" to tensions between Russia and Ukraine.

The US has warned Russia is ready to invade Ukraine with over 100,000 troops massed at the border, however, Russian President Putin has repeatedly said his regime has no invasion plans while pointing out that Russian troops have the right to move around anywhere inside the country's territory.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/target-ukraine-us-f-35-vs-russian-air-force-su-57-jets-who-wins-450431">Also Read in Pics|&nbsp;Target Ukraine: US F-35 vs Russian Air Force SU-57 jets, who wins?</a>

President Biden emphasised that talks with Russia will continue in "good faith" as Germany pushes for de-escalation of tension and ensure dialogue under the Normandy format as both the German Chancellor and the US president hoped for a diplomatic solution to the crisis.

"But if Russia makes a choice to further invade Ukraine, we are jointly ready and all of NATO is ready," President Biden warned.

(With inputs from Agencies)

 
&nbsp;

Amid tensions with Russia, US President Joe Biden said that "if Russia invades then there will be no longer a Nord Stream 2." The US president was speaking during a joint news conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz who backed the idea of blocking the pipeline.

Amid tensions with Russia, US President Joe Biden said that "if Russia invades then there will be no longer a Nord Stream 2." The US president was speaking during a joint news conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz who backed the idea of blocking the pipeline. "We are acting together. We are absolutely united and we will not be taking different steps," the German Chancellor said. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he was ready for a compromise after his talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. Also Read in Pics: Ukraine's challenge: How Russia uses Spetsnaz as 'tip of the spear' "A number of his ideas, proposals are possible as a basis for further steps," the Russian president said, adding, "We will do everything to find compromises that suit everyone." President Macron is set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Tuesday amid hectic diplomatic activity to prevent an invasion which the US has warned would have disastrous consequences for Russia. Watch: WION's ringside at Ukraine military drill President Biden said Russia has to adhere to "long-standing principles of rules-based international order" as he asserted that Germany and the US have been working closely to find "diplomatic resolutions" to tensions between Russia and Ukraine. The US has warned Russia is ready to invade Ukraine with over 100,000 troops massed at the border, however, Russian President Putin has repeatedly said his regime has no invasion plans while pointing out that Russian troops have the right to move around anywhere inside the country's territory. Also Read in Pics| Target Ukraine: US F-35 vs Russian Air Force SU-57 jets, who wins? President Biden emphasised that talks with Russia will continue in "good faith" as Germany pushes for de-escalation of tension and ensure dialogue under the Normandy format as both the German Chancellor and the US president hoped for a diplomatic solution to the crisis. "But if Russia makes a choice to further invade Ukraine, we are jointly ready and all of NATO is ready," President Biden warned. (With inputs from Agencies)

'Will find compromises': No Nord Stream 2 if Russia invades Ukraine, says Biden

Ukraine crisis: US THAAD vs Russian S-400 missile defence system

After China backed Russia on its stand that NATO should not enlist new members, China's mission to the European Union further reiterated its stand.

"Thirty years after the end of the Cold War, NATO continues to expand its geography and range of operations, engage in bloc politics and confrontation. This is not contributing to global security and stability", China's Mission to the European Union said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/target-ukraine-us-f-35-vs-russian-air-force-su-57-jets-who-wins-450431">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Target Ukraine: US F-35 vs Russian Air Force SU-57 jets, who wins?</a>

In a joint statement just ahead of the Beijing Winter Olympics last week, the two sides had opposed the further expansion of NATO.&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Chinese President had met last week in Beijing before the Winter Olympics as the two leaders cemented ties&nbsp;even as China faces diplomatic boycott by the US, Australia and other nations over its human rights record.

Watch:&nbsp;&nbsp;The story of Euromaidan

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-ukraine-direct-the-story-of-euromaidan-451348/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

President Putin has repeatedly said the European military alliance should not extend its borders on the eastern front. Kremlin had earlier submitted a security document to NATO and US urging it not to induct former Soviet states into the military group referring to Ukraine.

Russia and China had also expressed concern over the AUKUS defence alliance comprising of the UK, Australia and the United States.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraines-challenge-how-russia-uses-spetsnaz-as-tip-of-the-spear-450702">Also Read in Pics|&nbsp;Ukraine's challenge - How Russia uses Spetsnaz as 'tip of the spear'</a>

NATO chief General Jens Stoltenberg however hit out at China and Russia asserting that it is not about NATO but it was about "respecting the right of every sovereign nation".

US has been warning for the past few months that Russia is ready to invade Ukraine with over 100,000 Russian troops massing the border with Ukraine, however, Putin has dismissed reports of an invasion however he has maintained that his troops have the right to move anywhere inside their own territory.&nbsp;

The Biden administration decided to send 5,000 troops to Europe to bolster Ukraine as 2,000 troops arrived in Germany. The US troops will be stationed in Romania and Poland.

(With inputs from Agencies)

After China backed Russia on its stand that NATO should not enlist new members, China's mission to the European Union further reiterated its stand. "Thirty years after the end of the Cold War, NATO continues to expand its geography and range of operations, engage in bloc politics and confrontation.

After China backed Russia on its stand that NATO should not enlist new members, China's mission to the European Union further reiterated its stand. "Thirty years after the end of the Cold War, NATO continues to expand its geography and range of operations, engage in bloc politics and confrontation. This is not contributing to global security and stability", China's Mission to the European Union said. Also Read in Pics: Target Ukraine: US F-35 vs Russian Air Force SU-57 jets, who wins? In a joint statement just ahead of the Beijing Winter Olympics last week, the two sides had opposed the further expansion of NATO. Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Chinese President had met last week in Beijing before the Winter Olympics as the two leaders cemented ties even as China faces diplomatic boycott by the US, Australia and other nations over its human rights record. Watch: The story of Euromaidan President Putin has repeatedly said the European military alliance should not extend its borders on the eastern front. Kremlin had earlier submitted a security document to NATO and US urging it not to induct former Soviet states into the military group referring to Ukraine. Russia and China had also expressed concern over the AUKUS defence alliance comprising of the UK, Australia and the United States. Also Read in Pics| Ukraine's challenge - How Russia uses Spetsnaz as 'tip of the spear' NATO chief General Jens Stoltenberg however hit out at China and Russia asserting that it is not about NATO but it was about "respecting the right of every sovereign nation". US has been warning for the past few months that Russia is ready to invade Ukraine with over 100,000 Russian troops massing the border with Ukraine, however, Putin has dismissed reports of an invasion however he has maintained that his troops have the right to move anywhere inside their own territory. The Biden administration decided to send 5,000 troops to Europe to bolster Ukraine as 2,000 troops arrived in Germany. The US troops will be stationed in Romania and Poland. (With inputs from Agencies)

38 years after end of the Cold War, NATO continues to expand: China to EU

Amid escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma caught up with Ukraine's&nbsp;political commentator Dr. Kari Odermann in Kyiv for an exclusive conversation.

Kari Odermann said the conflict with Ukraine has been going on since 2014 but the focus shifted recently after&nbsp;"Russian troops started coming in spring 2021".

"There is war, there isn't going to be a war and we hope the war does not continue," she said. On the "million dollar" question: will there be war?&nbsp;Odermann replied: "the million dollar answer is there already is war."

On the question of support to Ukraine by Western countries and the somewhat contradictory statements, Odermann said: "Intelligence is the ability to recognise patterns and there has been a long historical pattern of promises being made to Ukrainians and then broken."

Watch: Gravitas | Exclusive interview with Dr. Kari Odermann

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-russia-ukraine-conflict-wion-interviews-dr-kari-odermann-450583/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"If you go back to the mid-90s to the former US President Bill Clinton and the Budapest Memorandum, Ukraine I think was the third most powerful nuclear power in the world after the fall of the Soviet Union and they handed over the nuclear codes as part of the Budapest Memorandum," she informed.

"Both United States and Russia had promised that there won't be any aggression towards Ukraine, so a lot of promises have been made," Odermann said.

Odermann said there is a "completely different" tone coming out from Washington right now and "even a different tone from&nbsp;President Volodymyr Zelensky's&nbsp;administration are using here in Ukraine."

On China's support to Russia after Putin and President Xi's meeting, Odermann said: "It was extremely interesting at the Security Council meeting in New York last week when China and Russia came out strong together and that's because what the West allows to happen here in Ukraine than be used for perhaps by China with its Taiwan question."

"It is interesting that in some ways China and Russia are going to keep cooperating at this level and will continue to have their differences," she said.

On Joe Biden's foreign policy and India's refusal to take sides and the fact that it has insisted on the need for dialogue, Odermann said, "On India, a country which has an unstable border issue should also be following this very carefully to see how the international community reacts."

"Whether or not Joe Biden has had a foreign policy win or not, let's consider the fact that American domestic policy is famously divorced from its foreign policy."

"What's happening with Joe Biden has nothing to do with what's happening outside in his actions."

Odermann said President Biden has been in politics for over 40 years and has been familiar with the Cold War including the policy of the former Soviet Union which she said was a "benefit" for the White House.

Odermann added that each time the US administration tells Ukraine&nbsp;about foreign support it is seen "positively" while adding that, "anyone who works in the media, there is a way to tell a story and in the US stories are being told in a very tribal way right now."

"Whether or not President Biden is doing the right thing or not only time will tell and it is hard to make calls on his foreign policy. He needs more time," she said.

Amid escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma caught up with Ukraine's political commentator Dr. Kari Odermann in Kyiv for an exclusive conversation.

Amid escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma caught up with Ukraine's political commentator Dr. Kari Odermann in Kyiv for an exclusive conversation. Kari Odermann said the conflict with Ukraine has been going on since 2014 but the focus shifted recently after "Russian troops started coming in spring 2021". "There is war, there isn't going to be a war and we hope the war does not continue," she said. On the "million dollar" question: will there be war? Odermann replied: "the million dollar answer is there already is war." On the question of support to Ukraine by Western countries and the somewhat contradictory statements, Odermann said: "Intelligence is the ability to recognise patterns and there has been a long historical pattern of promises being made to Ukrainians and then broken." Watch: Gravitas | Exclusive interview with Dr. Kari Odermann "If you go back to the mid-90s to the former US President Bill Clinton and the Budapest Memorandum, Ukraine I think was the third most powerful nuclear power in the world after the fall of the Soviet Union and they handed over the nuclear codes as part of the Budapest Memorandum," she informed. "Both United States and Russia had promised that there won't be any aggression towards Ukraine, so a lot of promises have been made," Odermann said. Odermann said there is a "completely different" tone coming out from Washington right now and "even a different tone from President Volodymyr Zelensky's administration are using here in Ukraine." On China's support to Russia after Putin and President Xi's meeting, Odermann said: "It was extremely interesting at the Security Council meeting in New York last week when China and Russia came out strong together and that's because what the West allows to happen here in Ukraine than be used for perhaps by China with its Taiwan question." "It is interesting that in some ways China and Russia are going to keep cooperating at this level and will continue to have their differences," she said. On Joe Biden's foreign policy and India's refusal to take sides and the fact that it has insisted on the need for dialogue, Odermann said, "On India, a country which has an unstable border issue should also be following this very carefully to see how the international community reacts." "Whether or not Joe Biden has had a foreign policy win or not, let's consider the fact that American domestic policy is famously divorced from its foreign policy." "What's happening with Joe Biden has nothing to do with what's happening outside in his actions." Odermann said President Biden has been in politics for over 40 years and has been familiar with the Cold War including the policy of the former Soviet Union which she said was a "benefit" for the White House. Odermann added that each time the US administration tells Ukraine about foreign support it is seen "positively" while adding that, "anyone who works in the media, there is a way to tell a story and in the US stories are being told in a very tribal way right now." "Whether or not President Biden is doing the right thing or not only time will tell and it is hard to make calls on his foreign policy. He needs more time," she said.

Conflict with Ukraine has been going on since 2014: Kari Odermann to WION

While the Russian military is not yet capable of mounting a total invasion of Ukraine, portions of its army have reached full combat strength and appear to be in the final stages of readiness for military action should the Kremlin order it, according to an assessment by the Ukrainian military’s high command.

Of particular concern to Ukrainian officials is the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia seized from Ukraine in 2014. In the last two weeks, Russia has deployed an additional 10,000 troops to the region, including infantry and airborne forces; more ominously, it has put some commands on the highest level of readiness, according to the military’s assessment.

Along with recent efforts to strengthen forces near two Kremlin-backed separatist enclaves in Ukraine, the deployments mean that Russia could soon be fully prepared to begin military actions along about 800 miles of Ukraine’s eastern and southern borders, according to the assessment.

The assessment was described in general terms by a senior Ukrainian military official who spoke on condition of anonymity to disclose confidential intelligence findings. It broadly aligns with newly released satellite images showing a significant military buildup in Crimea over the last few weeks.

But it is not just Crimea. Along much of Ukraine’s border, analysts are seeing what they describe as a near textbook example of a modern military making final preparations for war. They cited the arrival of logistical infrastructure like hospital and communications units, elements of electronic warfare meant for disrupting enemy communications, air power and additional troops to man equipment that was deployed earlier.

“What unnerves me is how methodically they’re going through this,” said Dara Massicot, a senior policy researcher at RAND Corp. “It’s by the book. You know what’s coming next, and it shows up.”

The Kremlin’s ultimate intention remained unclear, the Ukrainian official said, echoing the determination of American officials who say that President Vladimir Putin of Russia has yet to decide whether to attack.

Russia has roughly 130,000 troops massed near Ukraine’s border, American and Ukrainian officials say. The Kremlin has said repeatedly it has no plans to attack, and Putin — while claiming that the United States was trying to goad Russia into war — was less strident in his language in an appearance this week, leaving the door open for future diplomacy.

The Ukrainian military’s assessment of Russian capabilities diverges from one the Pentagon provided last week, which said that Moscow had deployed sufficient troops and military hardware to go far beyond a limited incursion into only the border regions. But it moved Ukraine’s military leadership closer to the U.S. position.

And it painted a dire picture of Russian combat readiness in Crimea, an area that has drawn less attention; for months, the focus has been on a Russian troop buildup in the east and, more recently, its moving of forces into Belarus on Ukraine’s northern border.

On top of the tens of thousands of troops already stationed in Crimea, Russia has recently deployed two additional battalion tactical groups — battle-ready forces of up to 1,000 troops plus tanks, armor and artillery. This includes one group of airborne troops and another that arrived with 10 trains’ worth of equipment and armor, the senior Ukrainian official said.

Ukrainian military officials assess that additional forces are on the way, including a subdivision of national guard troops, which could be deployed to hold territory in the event of an invasion.

Moreover, several units deployed to Crimea have been put on the Russian military’s highest state of military readiness, the official said, including marine forces based near the Kerch Strait, which separates mainland Russia from Crimea, and at the headquarters of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol. Troops in other locations have been put on the second-highest level of alert, the official said.

Satellite images released by Maxar, a space technology company, this week confirm a buildup of forces in Crimea. They show the addition of numerous tent camps in areas close to military equipment, an indication that troops had arrived or were on the way.

The senior Ukrainian official said any incursion could start with localized action and that, if successful, could prompt the Russians to expand the conflict zone. “For now, they’re doing everything they can to panic us and panic the West,’’ the official said, calling it “a real game of poker.”

The Crimea troops are augmented by Russian naval forces deployed to the Black Sea and Sea of Azov, a small strategic body of water over which Ukrainian and Russian forces have clashed repeatedly in recent years. In April, Russia dispatched its Caspian Flotilla to the waters around Ukraine for exercises and left behind several large landing craft.

Ukrainian officials are now watching the movements of six Russian landing vessels capable of deploying tanks and thousands of troops that Russia has sent from its Baltic and Northern Fleets for exercises in the Mediterranean for any signs that they may continue into the Black Sea.

“It’s a huge assault grouping,” Ihor Kabanenko, a retired admiral with the Ukrainian navy, said. “We have not enough capabilities at sea to adequately respond to such a Russian deployment.”

Beyond Crimea, military analysts say it may only be a matter of weeks before the crescent of troops deployed along Ukraine’s northern, eastern and southern borders is ready for action.

Until now, such forces might have looked menacingly large, but they lacked the supply lines and other logistical infrastructure needed to fight.

The satellite images showing row upon row of tanks that have appeared regularly in newspapers were most likely meant to send a message and force a conversation, said Gen.Philip Breedlove, who was formerly the supreme allied commander of NATO.

“You’ve seen the pictures of the trucks lined up,” Breedlove said. “That is not in tactical or offensive formation. That’s a formation for show.”

All that has started to change in recent weeks with the arrival of Iskandar-M cruise missiles, fighter jets and helicopters, according to satellite imagery, Ukrainian and western intelligence assessments and Russia’s own military announcements.

In some areas where Russia still does not have enough personnel to man equipment, more troops appear to be arriving daily, officials and analysts say. And there is still a question of whether the Russian military has been able to muster sufficient reserve forces for any prolonged military campaign.

In the coming weeks, Russia will likely conduct a series of military drills meant to test the preparedness of its forces, said Michael Kofman, director of Russia studies at CNA, a research institute based in Arlington, Virginia. After that, the troops need only to get in their vehicles and head for the Ukraine border, he said.

What a military operation might look at this point is hotly debated.

In late January, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III and Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said that Russia had deployed enough forces to invade all of Ukraine and suggested that fighting could even extend to the streets of Kyiv, the capital, something Kofman agrees with.

“The Russian military is positioning itself to be able to conduct a large-scale military operation against Ukraine, and its force posture indicates that if given the order they’re going to conduct a multi-axis attack,” Kofman said.

Under Ukraine’s assessment, Russia would be unable to sustain an invasion across different points of attack for more than a week because of a lack of supplies including ammunition, food and fuel deployed to front-line positions, nor does it have sufficient reserve forces.

In most areas there are enough forces available for smaller, localized assaults that could be used as a diversion from a main attack coming from the east or south where forces are stronger, according to the assessment.

For weeks, Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has attempted to play down the severity of the Russian threat, though even he now appears to be growing more concerned.

“This is not going to be a war of Ukraine and Russia,” should diplomatic efforts still underway fail, Zelenksyy said last week. “This is going to be a European war, a full-fledged war.”

While the Russian military is not yet capable of mounting a total invasion of Ukraine, portions of its army have reached full combat strength and appear to be in the final stages of readiness for military action should the Kremlin order it, according to an assessment by the Ukrainian military’s high command.

While the Russian military is not yet capable of mounting a total invasion of Ukraine, portions of its army have reached full combat strength and appear to be in the final stages of readiness for military action should the Kremlin order it, according to an assessment by the Ukrainian military’s high command. Of particular concern to Ukrainian officials is the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia seized from Ukraine in 2014. In the last two weeks, Russia has deployed an additional 10,000 troops to the region, including infantry and airborne forces; more ominously, it has put some commands on the highest level of readiness, according to the military’s assessment. Along with recent efforts to strengthen forces near two Kremlin-backed separatist enclaves in Ukraine, the deployments mean that Russia could soon be fully prepared to begin military actions along about 800 miles of Ukraine’s eastern and southern borders, according to the assessment. The assessment was described in general terms by a senior Ukrainian military official who spoke on condition of anonymity to disclose confidential intelligence findings. It broadly aligns with newly released satellite images showing a significant military buildup in Crimea over the last few weeks. But it is not just Crimea. Along much of Ukraine’s border, analysts are seeing what they describe as a near textbook example of a modern military making final preparations for war. They cited the arrival of logistical infrastructure like hospital and communications units, elements of electronic warfare meant for disrupting enemy communications, air power and additional troops to man equipment that was deployed earlier. “What unnerves me is how methodically they’re going through this,” said Dara Massicot, a senior policy researcher at RAND Corp. “It’s by the book. You know what’s coming next, and it shows up.” The Kremlin’s ultimate intention remained unclear, the Ukrainian official said, echoing the determination of American officials who say that President Vladimir Putin of Russia has yet to decide whether to attack. Russia has roughly 130,000 troops massed near Ukraine’s border, American and Ukrainian officials say. The Kremlin has said repeatedly it has no plans to attack, and Putin — while claiming that the United States was trying to goad Russia into war — was less strident in his language in an appearance this week, leaving the door open for future diplomacy. The Ukrainian military’s assessment of Russian capabilities diverges from one the Pentagon provided last week, which said that Moscow had deployed sufficient troops and military hardware to go far beyond a limited incursion into only the border regions. But it moved Ukraine’s military leadership closer to the U.S. position. And it painted a dire picture of Russian combat readiness in Crimea, an area that has drawn less attention; for months, the focus has been on a Russian troop buildup in the east and, more recently, its moving of forces into Belarus on Ukraine’s northern border. On top of the tens of thousands of troops already stationed in Crimea, Russia has recently deployed two additional battalion tactical groups — battle-ready forces of up to 1,000 troops plus tanks, armor and artillery. This includes one group of airborne troops and another that arrived with 10 trains’ worth of equipment and armor, the senior Ukrainian official said. Ukrainian military officials assess that additional forces are on the way, including a subdivision of national guard troops, which could be deployed to hold territory in the event of an invasion. Moreover, several units deployed to Crimea have been put on the Russian military’s highest state of military readiness, the official said, including marine forces based near the Kerch Strait, which separates mainland Russia from Crimea, and at the headquarters of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol. Troops in other locations have been put on the second-highest level of alert, the official said. Satellite images released by Maxar, a space technology company, this week confirm a buildup of forces in Crimea. They show the addition of numerous tent camps in areas close to military equipment, an indication that troops had arrived or were on the way. The senior Ukrainian official said any incursion could start with localized action and that, if successful, could prompt the Russians to expand the conflict zone. “For now, they’re doing everything they can to panic us and panic the West,’’ the official said, calling it “a real game of poker.” The Crimea troops are augmented by Russian naval forces deployed to the Black Sea and Sea of Azov, a small strategic body of water over which Ukrainian and Russian forces have clashed repeatedly in recent years. In April, Russia dispatched its Caspian Flotilla to the waters around Ukraine for exercises and left behind several large landing craft. Ukrainian officials are now watching the movements of six Russian landing vessels capable of deploying tanks and thousands of troops that Russia has sent from its Baltic and Northern Fleets for exercises in the Mediterranean for any signs that they may continue into the Black Sea. “It’s a huge assault grouping,” Ihor Kabanenko, a retired admiral with the Ukrainian navy, said. “We have not enough capabilities at sea to adequately respond to such a Russian deployment.” Beyond Crimea, military analysts say it may only be a matter of weeks before the crescent of troops deployed along Ukraine’s northern, eastern and southern borders is ready for action. Until now, such forces might have looked menacingly large, but they lacked the supply lines and other logistical infrastructure needed to fight. The satellite images showing row upon row of tanks that have appeared regularly in newspapers were most likely meant to send a message and force a conversation, said Gen.Philip Breedlove, who was formerly the supreme allied commander of NATO. “You’ve seen the pictures of the trucks lined up,” Breedlove said. “That is not in tactical or offensive formation. That’s a formation for show.” All that has started to change in recent weeks with the arrival of Iskandar-M cruise missiles, fighter jets and helicopters, according to satellite imagery, Ukrainian and western intelligence assessments and Russia’s own military announcements. In some areas where Russia still does not have enough personnel to man equipment, more troops appear to be arriving daily, officials and analysts say. And there is still a question of whether the Russian military has been able to muster sufficient reserve forces for any prolonged military campaign. In the coming weeks, Russia will likely conduct a series of military drills meant to test the preparedness of its forces, said Michael Kofman, director of Russia studies at CNA, a research institute based in Arlington, Virginia. After that, the troops need only to get in their vehicles and head for the Ukraine border, he said. What a military operation might look at this point is hotly debated. In late January, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III and Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said that Russia had deployed enough forces to invade all of Ukraine and suggested that fighting could even extend to the streets of Kyiv, the capital, something Kofman agrees with. “The Russian military is positioning itself to be able to conduct a large-scale military operation against Ukraine, and its force posture indicates that if given the order they’re going to conduct a multi-axis attack,” Kofman said. Under Ukraine’s assessment, Russia would be unable to sustain an invasion across different points of attack for more than a week because of a lack of supplies including ammunition, food and fuel deployed to front-line positions, nor does it have sufficient reserve forces. In most areas there are enough forces available for smaller, localized assaults that could be used as a diversion from a main attack coming from the east or south where forces are stronger, according to the assessment. For weeks, Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has attempted to play down the severity of the Russian threat, though even he now appears to be growing more concerned. “This is not going to be a war of Ukraine and Russia,” should diplomatic efforts still underway fail, Zelenksyy said last week. “This is going to be a European war, a full-fledged war.”

Russian troops in final stages of readiness add to worries for Ukraine

The Pentagon said today that Russia may "fabricate a pretext for an invasion" against Ukraine.

"As part of this fake attack, we believe that Russia would produce a very graphic propaganda video, which would include corpses and actors that would be depicting mourners and images of destroyed locations," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said.

However, US officials said the latest development was reported by intelligence sources while adding that there&nbsp;were no videos available at the moment.

The spokesman said, "I'm not going to spell out what is in our possession" even as Russia condemned American troop deployments in the region.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/skyfall-avangard-sarmat-russias-new-killer-superpower-weapons-revealed-448724">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Skyfall, Avangard, Sarmat: Russia's new killer 'superpower' weapons revealed</a>

The United States has been warning for months that Russia is planning an invasion against Ukraine while massing thousands of troops at the border. President Putin has repeatedly denied any invasion plans while insisting that Russian troops have the right the move around anywhere inside their own territory.

Watch: Gravitas |&nbsp;US deploys 3,000 soldiers to Europe

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"We've seen these kinds of activity by the Russians in the past and we believe it's important when we see it like this that we can call it out," Kirby said, adding,"I would just say that our experience is that very little of this nature is not approved at the highest levels of the Russian government."

Pentagon said Russia is planning to "initiate and potentially justify military aggression against Ukraine" by developing a "fake pretext". Russia however dismissed reports of trying to manufacture a conflict.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russias-checkmate-why-the-orion-combat-drone-is-a-gamechanger-446455">Also Read in Pics |&nbsp;Russia's 'checkmate': Why the Orion combat drone is a gamechanger</a>

"It's obvious that these are not steps aimed at de-escalating tensions, but on the contrary, they are actions that lead to increasing tensions," Kremlin spokesman said referring to the Biden administration's decision to send 3,000 troops to Poland and Romania.&nbsp;

The Kremlin spokesman added that Russian officials have been trying to "call on American counterparts to stop aggravating tensions", but "unfortunately, the Americans continue to do so".

Amid escalating tensions, NATO chief Stoltenberg said more Russian troops had arrived in Belarus with both countries conducting joint drills, asserting that it was the &nbsp;"biggest Russian deployment there since the Cold War".

(With inputs from Agencies)

The Pentagon said today that Russia may "fabricate a pretext for an invasion" against Ukraine. "As part of this fake attack, we believe that Russia would produce a very graphic propaganda video, which would include corpses and actors that would be depicting mourners and images of destroyed locations," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said.

The Pentagon said today that Russia may "fabricate a pretext for an invasion" against Ukraine. "As part of this fake attack, we believe that Russia would produce a very graphic propaganda video, which would include corpses and actors that would be depicting mourners and images of destroyed locations," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said. However, US officials said the latest development was reported by intelligence sources while adding that there were no videos available at the moment. The spokesman said, "I'm not going to spell out what is in our possession" even as Russia condemned American troop deployments in the region. Also Read in Pics: Skyfall, Avangard, Sarmat: Russia's new killer 'superpower' weapons revealed The United States has been warning for months that Russia is planning an invasion against Ukraine while massing thousands of troops at the border. President Putin has repeatedly denied any invasion plans while insisting that Russian troops have the right the move around anywhere inside their own territory. Watch: Gravitas | US deploys 3,000 soldiers to Europe "We've seen these kinds of activity by the Russians in the past and we believe it's important when we see it like this that we can call it out," Kirby said, adding,"I would just say that our experience is that very little of this nature is not approved at the highest levels of the Russian government." Pentagon said Russia is planning to "initiate and potentially justify military aggression against Ukraine" by developing a "fake pretext". Russia however dismissed reports of trying to manufacture a conflict. Also Read in Pics | Russia's 'checkmate': Why the Orion combat drone is a gamechanger "It's obvious that these are not steps aimed at de-escalating tensions, but on the contrary, they are actions that lead to increasing tensions," Kremlin spokesman said referring to the Biden administration's decision to send 3,000 troops to Poland and Romania. The Kremlin spokesman added that Russian officials have been trying to "call on American counterparts to stop aggravating tensions", but "unfortunately, the Americans continue to do so". Amid escalating tensions, NATO chief Stoltenberg said more Russian troops had arrived in Belarus with both countries conducting joint drills, asserting that it was the "biggest Russian deployment there since the Cold War". (With inputs from Agencies)

Russia will produce graphic propaganda video as pretext for an invasion against Ukraine: US

Amid&nbsp;Russia continues to mass troops along Ukraine's border, US President in a statement at the UNSC said Putin's regime will "face swift and severe consequences" if it walked away from diplomacy and decided to invade Ukraine.

"If Russia is sincere about addressing our respective security concerns through dialogue, the United States and our allies and partners will continue to engage in good faith,"&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;said, adding,"if instead Russia chooses to walk away from diplomacy and attack Ukraine, Russia will bear the responsibility, and it will face swift and severe consequences."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-crisis-who-says-we-have-100000-troops-at-border-russia-asks-in-unsc-449313">Also Read:&nbsp;Ukraine crisis: Who says we have 100,000 troops at border? Russia asks in UNSC</a>&nbsp;

Russia had tried to block the 15-member Security Council from holding the meeting, however,&nbsp;10 out of 15 members backed the Biden administration. &nbsp;&nbsp;

This is the largest&nbsp;mobilization of troops in Europe in decades,"&nbsp;UN envoy Linda Thomas-Greenfield, adding,"and as we speak, Russia is sending even more forces and arms to join them."

Russian ambassador to the UN&nbsp;Vassily Nebenzia urged members at the UNSC to oppose opening the session declaring the US was engaging in "megaphone diplomacy" however,&nbsp;&nbsp;10 members supported keeping the meeting open even as China backed Russia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russian-navy-aircraft-track-down-notional-enemy-submarine-in-norwegian-sea-in-drill-449181">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Russian navy, aircraft track down 'notional' enemy submarine in Norwegian Sea</a>

The US has said Russia has massed over 100,000 troops along Ukraine's border, however, Russia lashed out at the UNSC accusing the United States of trying to "whip up hysteria".

Tensions have been on at fewer pitch between the West and Russia since November as reports emerged of Russian troops massed at the border with Ukraine. &nbsp;

Putin's regime had earlier submitted a security document to the US and NATO urging them not to induct former Soviet countries into its military alliance referring to Ukraine. However, the demand was rejected by the United States.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid Russia continues to mass troops along Ukraine's border, US President in a statement at the UNSC said Putin's regime will "face swift and severe consequences" if it walked away from diplomacy and decided to invade Ukraine.

Amid Russia continues to mass troops along Ukraine's border, US President in a statement at the UNSC said Putin's regime will "face swift and severe consequences" if it walked away from diplomacy and decided to invade Ukraine. "If Russia is sincere about addressing our respective security concerns through dialogue, the United States and our allies and partners will continue to engage in good faith," Biden said, adding,"if instead Russia chooses to walk away from diplomacy and attack Ukraine, Russia will bear the responsibility, and it will face swift and severe consequences." Also Read: Ukraine crisis: Who says we have 100,000 troops at border? Russia asks in UNSC Russia had tried to block the 15-member Security Council from holding the meeting, however, 10 out of 15 members backed the Biden administration. This is the largest mobilization of troops in Europe in decades," UN envoy Linda Thomas-Greenfield, adding,"and as we speak, Russia is sending even more forces and arms to join them." Russian ambassador to the UN Vassily Nebenzia urged members at the UNSC to oppose opening the session declaring the US was engaging in "megaphone diplomacy" however, 10 members supported keeping the meeting open even as China backed Russia. Also Read in Pics: Russian navy, aircraft track down 'notional' enemy submarine in Norwegian Sea The US has said Russia has massed over 100,000 troops along Ukraine's border, however, Russia lashed out at the UNSC accusing the United States of trying to "whip up hysteria". Tensions have been on at fewer pitch between the West and Russia since November as reports emerged of Russian troops massed at the border with Ukraine. Putin's regime had earlier submitted a security document to the US and NATO urging them not to induct former Soviet countries into its military alliance referring to Ukraine. However, the demand was rejected by the United States. (With inputs from Agencies)

Russia will 'face swift and severe consequences': Biden to Putin at UNSC over Ukraine

Amid tensions with the West over Ukraine, Russia said the United States is instigating "hysteria" leading people in Ukraine to pack "frontline bags".

"We consistently criticise this stance and call on Washington and its allies on the European continent to give up this policy and assume a constructive, calm and balanced approach," President Putin's spokesman said on Monday.

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The Russian president's spokesman blamed the "American media outlets" for publishing a "large amount of unverified, 
&nbsp;false and inflammatory information" about development in Ukraine.

"The hysteria that the United States is instigating is leading to hysteria in Ukraine where people are almost packing frontline bags,"&nbsp;the Russian presidential spokesman said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Reports said civilians in Ukraine's Lviv city took part in military training amid Russia's continued build-up at the border. The civilians were part of the reserve as&nbsp;exercises were conducted by veterans and paratroopers.

Watch:&nbsp;Russia and allies have surrounded Ukraine from three sides

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As tensions mount, the UN Security Council is set to meet today even as Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov is set to speak to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Reports claim Russia may block the UN security council members from holding the meeting.&nbsp;

UK foreign secretary Liz Truss had said earlier that the Johnson government is set to unveil sanctions against Russia, a move which was denounced by the Kremlin.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/skyfall-avangard-sarmat-russias-new-killer-superpower-weapons-revealed-448724">Also Read in Pics|&nbsp;Skyfall, Avangard, Sarmat: Russia's new killer 'superpower' weapons revealed</a>

"The Anglo-Saxons are massively ramping up tensions on the European continent," Kremlin said.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson had said over the weekend that the UK is ready to offer NATO with troops, warships and fighter jets as Russia conducts drills across the region.

However, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Western leaders to avoid spreading "panic" as tensions continue. &nbsp;Putin during a phone call to Macron last week had said that he had no "no offensive plans".

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid tensions with the West over Ukraine, Russia said the United States is instigating "hysteria" leading people in Ukraine to pack "frontline bags". "We consistently criticise this stance and call on Washington and its allies on the European continent to give up this policy and assume a constructive, calm and balanced approach," President Putin's spokesman said on Monday.

Amid tensions with the West over Ukraine, Russia said the United States is instigating "hysteria" leading people in Ukraine to pack "frontline bags". "We consistently criticise this stance and call on Washington and its allies on the European continent to give up this policy and assume a constructive, calm and balanced approach," President Putin's spokesman said on Monday. Also Read in Pics: Russian navy, aircraft track down 'notional' enemy submarine in drill The Russian president's spokesman blamed the "American media outlets" for publishing a "large amount of unverified, false and inflammatory information" about development in Ukraine. "The hysteria that the United States is instigating is leading to hysteria in Ukraine where people are almost packing frontline bags," the Russian presidential spokesman said. Reports said civilians in Ukraine's Lviv city took part in military training amid Russia's continued build-up at the border. The civilians were part of the reserve as exercises were conducted by veterans and paratroopers. Watch: Russia and allies have surrounded Ukraine from three sides As tensions mount, the UN Security Council is set to meet today even as Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov is set to speak to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Reports claim Russia may block the UN security council members from holding the meeting. UK foreign secretary Liz Truss had said earlier that the Johnson government is set to unveil sanctions against Russia, a move which was denounced by the Kremlin. Also Read in Pics| Skyfall, Avangard, Sarmat: Russia's new killer 'superpower' weapons revealed "The Anglo-Saxons are massively ramping up tensions on the European continent," Kremlin said. Prime Minister Boris Johnson had said over the weekend that the UK is ready to offer NATO with troops, warships and fighter jets as Russia conducts drills across the region. However, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Western leaders to avoid spreading "panic" as tensions continue. Putin during a phone call to Macron last week had said that he had no "no offensive plans". (With inputs from Agencies)

US instigating hysteria, people in Ukraine packing frontline bags: Russia

Russian deputy foreign minister Sergey Vershinin held talks with secretary west Reenat Sandhu on Monday in Delhi. The talks come even as Russia is set to take over the Presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) from February 1 for a period of one month.&nbsp;

India is also a non-permanent member of the council since January last year. MEA readout said, "Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation on issues on the UNSC agenda, keeping in view their special and privileged strategic partnership."

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Secretary (West) <a href="https://twitter.com/reenat_sandhu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@reenat_sandhu</a> welcomed Sergey Vershinin, Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia, for India-Russia UN consultations today in New Delhi. <a href="https://t.co/yUMtELOUDR">pic.twitter.com/yUMtELOUDR</a>
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Last week, Russian deputy foreign minister Vershinin had spoken to Indian envoy to Russia Pavan Kapoor with focus on Russian Presidency of the UNSC. The visit assumes significance even as Moscow has kept India in the loop over the situation in Ukraine and eastern Europe&nbsp;and Russia-West talks on the security guarantees.

Russia has drawn red lines that Ukraine should not become a NATO member and called on West&nbsp;especially the United States to give security guarantees over its worries.

Last week in response to a WION question at the weekly presser of the Russian foreign ministry, deputy director of the information and press department Alexey Zaytsev said," we are informing our Indian partners on the relevant security situation in Europe and corresponding negotiations."

Russian Deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov had a meeting with the Indian envoy to Russia Pavan Kapoor earlier this month.

During the meet, 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 of the meet.

Deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov had led the talks from the Russian side in Geneva&nbsp;where US was represented by US Deputy secretary of state Wendy Sherman. Earlier, Sherman made a telephonic call to India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla to brief him on the situation.

New Delhi has close ties with both US and Russia and has called for "peaceful resolution" of the crisis. Last week at the weekly presser, ministry of external affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "We call for a peaceful resolution of the situation through sustained diplomatic efforts for long term peace and stability in the region and beyond."

While New Delhi closely follows the development in eastern Europe, the Indian mission in Ukraine has started to collect data on Indian nationals in the country. Around 18,000 Indian students are in the country, according to government estimates.

Russian deputy foreign minister Sergey Vershinin held talks with secretary west Reenat Sandhu on Monday in Delhi. The talks come even as Russia is set to take over the Presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) from February 1 for a period of one month.

Russian deputy foreign minister Sergey Vershinin held talks with secretary west Reenat Sandhu on Monday in Delhi. The talks come even as Russia is set to take over the Presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) from February 1 for a period of one month. India is also a non-permanent member of the council since January last year. MEA readout said, "Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation on issues on the UNSC agenda, keeping in view their special and privileged strategic partnership." Secretary (West) @reenat_sandhu welcomed Sergey Vershinin, Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia, for India-Russia UN consultations today in New Delhi. pic.twitter.com/yUMtELOUDR — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) January 31, 2022 × Last week, Russian deputy foreign minister Vershinin had spoken to Indian envoy to Russia Pavan Kapoor with focus on Russian Presidency of the UNSC. The visit assumes significance even as Moscow has kept India in the loop over the situation in Ukraine and eastern Europe and Russia-West talks on the security guarantees. Russia has drawn red lines that Ukraine should not become a NATO member and called on West especially the United States to give security guarantees over its worries. Last week in response to a WION question at the weekly presser of the Russian foreign ministry, deputy director of the information and press department Alexey Zaytsev said," we are informing our Indian partners on the relevant security situation in Europe and corresponding negotiations." Russian Deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov had a meeting with the Indian envoy to Russia Pavan Kapoor earlier this month. During the meet, they "exchanged views and assessments on the events in Geneva, Brussels and Vienna on security guarantees for Russia" according to a Russian readout of the meet. Deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov had led the talks from the Russian side in Geneva where US was represented by US Deputy secretary of state Wendy Sherman. Earlier, Sherman made a telephonic call to India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla to brief him on the situation. New Delhi has close ties with both US and Russia and has called for "peaceful resolution" of the crisis. Last week at the weekly presser, ministry of external affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "We call for a peaceful resolution of the situation through sustained diplomatic efforts for long term peace and stability in the region and beyond." While New Delhi closely follows the development in eastern Europe, the Indian mission in Ukraine has started to collect data on Indian nationals in the country. Around 18,000 Indian students are in the country, according to government estimates.

With Ukraine crisis in backdrop, Russian deputy foreign minister in Delhi for talks

Russian navy, aircraft track down 'notional' enemy submarine in Norwegian Sea in drill

Amid tensions with Russia, US President Joe Biden said he would be moving a small number of troops to eastern Europe even as top US general Mark Miley said the consequences of going to war with Russia would be "horrific" for both sides.

However, Ukraine President &nbsp;Volodymyr Zelensky urged leaders to stop "panic" over Russian deployment along its border. President Biden said he would be sending a small number of troops "not too many" after NATO declared it was ready to deploy 8,500 troops at short notice.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russias-dagger-on-ukraine-kinzhal-hypersonic-missiles-can-degrade-high-value-targets-447431">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Russia's 'Dagger' on Ukraine: Kinzhal hypersonic missiles can degrade high value targets</a>

US Joint chiefs chairman General Mark Milley, however, warned of consequences adding that a conflict over Ukraine would lead to a "significant amount of casualties" and it would be "horrific" and "terrible".

US defence secretary Lloyd Austin said there was still "space for diplomacy" while adding that "conflict is not inevitable".

Watch:&nbsp;Has Putin overplayed his hand?

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"Mr Putin can do the right thing as well," Austin said, adding, "There is no reason that this situation has to devolve into conflict. He can choose to de-escalate. He can order his troops away."&nbsp;

Russia had submitted a security document to the US and NATO urging them not to induct former Soviet countries into its military alliance referring to Ukraine. The demand was however rejected by the United States.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russias-checkmate-why-the-orion-combat-drone-is-a-gamechanger-446455">Also Read in Pics|&nbsp;Russia's 'checkmate': Why the Orion combat drone is a gamechanger</a>

In a phone call to French President Macron, Putin said Russia's "fundamental" concerns were not met as the Kremlin added that Western countries had overlooked the "key question" while informing that it would study the response and then "decide on further actions."

Tensions over Russian troop deployment has peaked after the White House warned that Russia is ready to invade Ukraine between mid-January to mid-February. However, in the phone call to Macron, Putin said Russia has "no offensive plans" on Ukraine.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid tensions with Russia, US President Joe Biden said he would be moving a small number of troops to eastern Europe even as top US general Mark Miley said the consequences of going to war with Russia would be "horrific" for both sides.

Amid tensions with Russia, US President Joe Biden said he would be moving a small number of troops to eastern Europe even as top US general Mark Miley said the consequences of going to war with Russia would be "horrific" for both sides. However, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky urged leaders to stop "panic" over Russian deployment along its border. President Biden said he would be sending a small number of troops "not too many" after NATO declared it was ready to deploy 8,500 troops at short notice. Also Read in Pics: Russia's 'Dagger' on Ukraine: Kinzhal hypersonic missiles can degrade high value targets US Joint chiefs chairman General Mark Milley, however, warned of consequences adding that a conflict over Ukraine would lead to a "significant amount of casualties" and it would be "horrific" and "terrible". US defence secretary Lloyd Austin said there was still "space for diplomacy" while adding that "conflict is not inevitable". Watch: Has Putin overplayed his hand? "Mr Putin can do the right thing as well," Austin said, adding, "There is no reason that this situation has to devolve into conflict. He can choose to de-escalate. He can order his troops away." Russia had submitted a security document to the US and NATO urging them not to induct former Soviet countries into its military alliance referring to Ukraine. The demand was however rejected by the United States. Also Read in Pics| Russia's 'checkmate': Why the Orion combat drone is a gamechanger In a phone call to French President Macron, Putin said Russia's "fundamental" concerns were not met as the Kremlin added that Western countries had overlooked the "key question" while informing that it would study the response and then "decide on further actions." Tensions over Russian troop deployment has peaked after the White House warned that Russia is ready to invade Ukraine between mid-January to mid-February. However, in the phone call to Macron, Putin said Russia has "no offensive plans" on Ukraine. (With inputs from Agencies)

US President Biden to move troops to eastern Europe amid Russia tensions

According to reports, women have joined Ukraine's army in large numbers including thousands of civilians as threat of war with Russia looms over the country.

The women have been drafted into the army reserves and have been receiving basic training. In December last year, Ukraine's defence ministry had declared women between 18 and 60 were "fit for military service".

The move is being seen as a "powerful signal to Moscow", Ukraine's lawmaker Oleksandra Ustinova said it was not about conscription but was "logical, timely and sensible” with thousands of Russian troops massed at Ukraine's border.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russias-dagger-on-ukraine-kinzhal-hypersonic-missiles-can-degrade-high-value-targets-447431">Also Read in Pics |&nbsp;Russia's 'Dagger' on Ukraine: Kinzhal hypersonic missiles&nbsp;</a>

Over 31,000 women reportedly serve in Ukraine's&nbsp;defence&nbsp;forces with women from various professions asked to register for possible military service. The professions include musicians, veterinarians, librarians and journalists,&nbsp;

The new law states that women between the ages of 20 and 40 can be mobilised as regular soldiers and those between &nbsp;20 to 50 can become officers. However, there are exceptions for women with children including full-time students and graduates.

Women have been serving in Ukraine's army since 1993 including in combat roles. According to a report, the number of women in the Ukrainian army has more than doubled since 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea.

Watch:&nbsp;US will soon send a small number of troops to eastern Europe

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-will-soon-send-a-small-number-of-troops-to-eastern-europe-amid-tensions-with-russia-over-ukraine-448673/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

There are 109 women who serve as&nbsp;platoon commanders in Ukraine's armed forces with 900 women officers in command positions with 13,000 women fulfilling the role of combatants.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russias-checkmate-why-the-orion-combat-drone-is-a-gamechanger-446455">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Russia's 'checkmate': Why the Orion combat drone is a gamechanger</a>

Ukraine has 255,000 soldiers on active duty with 900,000 reservists who are expected to play a key role if hostilities break out with Russia.

Russia has over 1 million personnel on active duty with 378,000 reserve personnel and 250,000 paramilitary troops.&nbsp;

Russia has a gigantic&nbsp;budget to sustain its armed forces. A US congressional report two years ago stated that the country's military expenditures ranged between $60 billion and $65 billion a year which was roughly 4 per cent of its GDP.

(With inputs from Agencies)

According to reports, women have joined Ukraine's army in large numbers including thousands of civilians as threat of war with Russia looms over the country. The women have been drafted into the army reserves and have been receiving basic training.

According to reports, women have joined Ukraine's army in large numbers including thousands of civilians as threat of war with Russia looms over the country. The women have been drafted into the army reserves and have been receiving basic training. In December last year, Ukraine's defence ministry had declared women between 18 and 60 were "fit for military service". The move is being seen as a "powerful signal to Moscow", Ukraine's lawmaker Oleksandra Ustinova said it was not about conscription but was "logical, timely and sensible” with thousands of Russian troops massed at Ukraine's border. Also Read in Pics | Russia's 'Dagger' on Ukraine: Kinzhal hypersonic missiles Over 31,000 women reportedly serve in Ukraine's defence forces with women from various professions asked to register for possible military service. The professions include musicians, veterinarians, librarians and journalists, The new law states that women between the ages of 20 and 40 can be mobilised as regular soldiers and those between 20 to 50 can become officers. However, there are exceptions for women with children including full-time students and graduates. Women have been serving in Ukraine's army since 1993 including in combat roles. According to a report, the number of women in the Ukrainian army has more than doubled since 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea. Watch: US will soon send a small number of troops to eastern Europe There are 109 women who serve as platoon commanders in Ukraine's armed forces with 900 women officers in command positions with 13,000 women fulfilling the role of combatants. Also Read in Pics: Russia's 'checkmate': Why the Orion combat drone is a gamechanger Ukraine has 255,000 soldiers on active duty with 900,000 reservists who are expected to play a key role if hostilities break out with Russia. Russia has over 1 million personnel on active duty with 378,000 reserve personnel and 250,000 paramilitary troops. Russia has a gigantic budget to sustain its armed forces. A US congressional report two years ago stated that the country's military expenditures ranged between $60 billion and $65 billion a year which was roughly 4 per cent of its GDP. (With inputs from Agencies)

Women join Ukraine's army in huge numbers as Russian threat looms

Russia said today the United States and NATO had overlooked its concern over the security draft agreement submitted to it earlier amid tensions with Ukraine along the border.

Russia's foreign ministry spokesman Zaitsev said, "We have already repeatedly stated that our country does not intend to attack anyone," even as reports indicated Russia has massed over 100,000 troops along the Ukraine border.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov added that the country's "thoughts" have not been taken into account over the security agreement as the Biden administration rejected Russia's demand that former Soviet countries should not be inducted into NATO referring to Ukraine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russias-dagger-on-ukraine-kinzhal-hypersonic-missiles-can-degrade-high-value-targets-447431">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Russia's 'Dagger' on Ukraine: Kinzhal hypersonic missiles can degrade high value targets</a>

"We cannot say that our thoughts have been taken into account or that a willingness has been shown to take our concerns into account," Kremlin said.

"Let's not rush into assessments; it takes time to analyse," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov added.

Watch:&nbsp;Ukraine, Russia crisis: Which side will India lean?

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Meanwhile, Germany and US warned that the gas pipeline which could double Russian natural gas supply to Germany could be in danger of not being implemented if Putin's regime attacked Ukraine.

"If Russia invades Ukraine, one way or another, Nord Stream 2 will not move forward, "Victoria Nuland, US undersecretary of state for political affairs said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-russia-has-parked-iskander-m-missile-system-along-ukraine-448119">Also Read:&nbsp;Why Russia has parked Iskander-M missile system along Ukraine?</a>

The new German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is set to meet President Joe Biden next month to discuss the Ukraine crisis even as the US president spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensk to step up economic support to the nation.

NATO has put 8,500 troops on alert amid tensions at the border. However, Russia has maintained it has the right to move troops anywhere inside its borders even as it has rejected claims of an imminent invasion.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Russia said today the United States and NATO had overlooked its concern over the security draft agreement submitted to it earlier amid tensions with Ukraine along the border.

Russia said today the United States and NATO had overlooked its concern over the security draft agreement submitted to it earlier amid tensions with Ukraine along the border. Russia's foreign ministry spokesman Zaitsev said, "We have already repeatedly stated that our country does not intend to attack anyone," even as reports indicated Russia has massed over 100,000 troops along the Ukraine border. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov added that the country's "thoughts" have not been taken into account over the security agreement as the Biden administration rejected Russia's demand that former Soviet countries should not be inducted into NATO referring to Ukraine. Also Read in Pics: Russia's 'Dagger' on Ukraine: Kinzhal hypersonic missiles can degrade high value targets "We cannot say that our thoughts have been taken into account or that a willingness has been shown to take our concerns into account," Kremlin said. "Let's not rush into assessments; it takes time to analyse," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov added. Watch: Ukraine, Russia crisis: Which side will India lean? Meanwhile, Germany and US warned that the gas pipeline which could double Russian natural gas supply to Germany could be in danger of not being implemented if Putin's regime attacked Ukraine. "If Russia invades Ukraine, one way or another, Nord Stream 2 will not move forward, "Victoria Nuland, US undersecretary of state for political affairs said. Also Read: Why Russia has parked Iskander-M missile system along Ukraine? The new German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is set to meet President Joe Biden next month to discuss the Ukraine crisis even as the US president spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensk to step up economic support to the nation. NATO has put 8,500 troops on alert amid tensions at the border. However, Russia has maintained it has the right to move troops anywhere inside its borders even as it has rejected claims of an imminent invasion. (With inputs from Agencies)

If Russia invades Ukraine, Nord Stream 2 pipeline will not move forward: US

Tensions between Russia and Ukraine remain at all time high with military build-up reported across the border.

With international pressure mounting on Russia to withdraw troops, a Ukrainian diplomat has recently suggested&nbsp;that the country may be compelled to acquire nuclear weapons to protect their interests. Currently, Ukraine is attempting to get membership of NATO amid tensions with Russia.

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Ukraine’s Ambassador to Germany Andriy Melnyk told a state radio station on Thursday that Ukrainian President Zelensky is considering all options as fears of a full-fledged conflict rise in the region.

Melnyk was quoted by German news agency DPA as saying that either they should be given the membership of NATO “to strengthen this Europe” or they’ll be left with one option - “to rearm” themselves.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/ukraines-zelenskiy-to-hold-talks-with-merkel-macron-about-russia-standoff-377859" hreflang="en">Ukraine's Zelenskiy to hold talks with Merkel, Macron about Russia standoff</a>

In the recent weeks, fighting has intensified in Ukraine’s Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Russian-backed separatists seized a sizeable territory in April 2014 and fighting has been going on since then. In the recent weeks, Russia has increased its troops and artillery near the border.

In 2014, Russia had annexed the region of Crimea from Ukraine, where it has stationed troops again.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/ease-ukraines-provocative-actions-russia-urges-macron-and-merkel-377977" hreflang="en">Ease Ukraine's 'provocative actions', Russia urges Macron and Merkel</a>

Ukraine's foreign minister said earlier this week that Russia was "openly threatening Ukraine with war" and vowed a coordinated military response with its allies to aggression orchestrated by Moscow.

The fresh bout of clashes in eastern Ukraine effectively ended a ceasefire agreed last July that ushered in a period of relative calm to the conflict.

(With inputs from agencies)

Tensions between Russia and Ukraine remain at all time high with military build-up reported across the border. With international pressure mounting on Russia to withdraw troops, a Ukrainian diplomat has recently suggested that the country may be compelled to acquire nuclear weapons to protect their interests.

Tensions between Russia and Ukraine remain at all time high with military build-up reported across the border. With international pressure mounting on Russia to withdraw troops, a Ukrainian diplomat has recently suggested that the country may be compelled to acquire nuclear weapons to protect their interests. Currently, Ukraine is attempting to get membership of NATO amid tensions with Russia. Ukraine’s Ambassador to Germany Andriy Melnyk told a state radio station on Thursday that Ukrainian President Zelensky is considering all options as fears of a full-fledged conflict rise in the region. Melnyk was quoted by German news agency DPA as saying that either they should be given the membership of NATO “to strengthen this Europe” or they’ll be left with one option - “to rearm” themselves. Also read: Ukraine's Zelenskiy to hold talks with Merkel, Macron about Russia standoff In the recent weeks, fighting has intensified in Ukraine’s Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Russian-backed separatists seized a sizeable territory in April 2014 and fighting has been going on since then. In the recent weeks, Russia has increased its troops and artillery near the border. In 2014, Russia had annexed the region of Crimea from Ukraine, where it has stationed troops again. Also read: Ease Ukraine's 'provocative actions', Russia urges Macron and Merkel Ukraine's foreign minister said earlier this week that Russia was "openly threatening Ukraine with war" and vowed a coordinated military response with its allies to aggression orchestrated by Moscow. The fresh bout of clashes in eastern Ukraine effectively ended a ceasefire agreed last July that ushered in a period of relative calm to the conflict. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine may acquire nuclear weapons amid conflict with Russia, diplomat suggests

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