After Russia declared it was pulling back some troops after conducting drills along the border, Ukraine reported its banks and defence ministry site were&nbsp;hit by a cyberattack.

"It is not ruled out that the aggressor used tactics of dirty little tricks because its aggressive plans are not working out on a large scale," Ukraine's cyber watchdog said pointing towards alleged role of Russia.

<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's Privatbank users said they were encountering problems in payments even as another bank Oshadbank reported that its system had slowed down.

"If Russia attacks the United States or our allies through asymmetric means like disruptive cyberattacks against our companies or critical infrastructure, we're prepared to respond," Biden said in a televised address.

Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine-Russia conflict: Wednesday the day of attack?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-ukraine-russia-conflict-wednesday-the-day-of-attack-453590/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The bank sites resumed operation however reports said the military site&nbsp;was inaccessible for hours with an error message displaying "undergoing technical maintenance".

Ukraine was hit by a cyberattack a month ago as some government sites were hit even as tensions escalated at the border with Russia.

NATO moved quickly to announce a cyberwarfare agreement as the EU said it will provide all help to Kyiv. Ukrainian authorities hadn't blamed Russia for the alleged attack at the time.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/eye-on-ukraine-why-russia-is-raising-second-regiment-of-avangard-hypersonic-missile-system-452390">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Why Russia is raising second regiment of Avangard hypersonic missile system</a>

The cyberattack on Tuesday came as Russia said it was pulling back some troops from Ukraine's border even as US President Joe Biden said there was no verifiable evidence of pullback of troops.

The Pentagon had said earlier that Russian troops were boosted along the border last weekend as US authorities said an&nbsp;attack was imminent. President Biden on Tuesday added that&nbsp;"analysts indicate that they remain very much in a threatening position, while adding,"the United States is prepared no matter what happens."

"We are ready with diplomacy," Biden said, asserting, "we are ready to respond decisively to a Russian attack on Ukraine, which is still very much a possibility."

(With inputs from Agencies)

After Russia declared it was pulling back some troops after conducting drills along the border, Ukraine reported its banks and defence ministry site were hit by a cyberattack.

After Russia declared it was pulling back some troops after conducting drills along the border, Ukraine reported its banks and defence ministry site were hit by a cyberattack. "It is not ruled out that the aggressor used tactics of dirty little tricks because its aggressive plans are not working out on a large scale," Ukraine's cyber watchdog said pointing towards alleged role of Russia. Also Read in Pics | Russia's 'checkmate': Why the Orion combat drone is a gamechanger Ukraine's Privatbank users said they were encountering problems in payments even as another bank Oshadbank reported that its system had slowed down. "If Russia attacks the United States or our allies through asymmetric means like disruptive cyberattacks against our companies or critical infrastructure, we're prepared to respond," Biden said in a televised address. Watch | Ukraine-Russia conflict: Wednesday the day of attack? The bank sites resumed operation however reports said the military site was inaccessible for hours with an error message displaying "undergoing technical maintenance". Ukraine was hit by a cyberattack a month ago as some government sites were hit even as tensions escalated at the border with Russia. NATO moved quickly to announce a cyberwarfare agreement as the EU said it will provide all help to Kyiv. Ukrainian authorities hadn't blamed Russia for the alleged attack at the time. Also Read in Pics: Why Russia is raising second regiment of Avangard hypersonic missile system The cyberattack on Tuesday came as Russia said it was pulling back some troops from Ukraine's border even as US President Joe Biden said there was no verifiable evidence of pullback of troops. The Pentagon had said earlier that Russian troops were boosted along the border last weekend as US authorities said an attack was imminent. President Biden on Tuesday added that "analysts indicate that they remain very much in a threatening position, while adding,"the United States is prepared no matter what happens." "We are ready with diplomacy," Biden said, asserting, "we are ready to respond decisively to a Russian attack on Ukraine, which is still very much a possibility." (With inputs from Agencies)

Ukraine hit by cyberattack after some Russian troops pull back

Amid moves to broker peace with Russia over the Ukraine crisis, the US State Department said that Russian forces continue to arrive at the Ukrainian border.

"It is a distinct possibility, perhaps more real than ever before, that Russia may decide to proceed with military action," US State Department spokesman Ned Price said, adding, "an invasion, as we have said, could begin at any time."

<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;How Russia's&nbsp;Kinzhal hypersonic missiles can degrade high value targets</a>

Meanwhile, the Pentagon said US defence secretary Lloyd Austin will leave for Europe for crisis talks and will visit the NATO headquarters and visit Poland with US troops deployed in the region. &nbsp;

Austin will also meet Lithuanian leaders and host defence ministers of Baltic states namely Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia who increasingly feel threatened by Russia's moves in Ukraine.

Watch:&nbsp;Ukraine bets on drones to 'outsmart' Russia

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Pentagon spokesman Lloyd Austin added that "we still don't believe that some final decision has been made."

However, Austin added that "military action could happen any day," while asserting that, "it is entirely possible that he could move with little to no warning."

"We believe that diplomacy continues to be viable," State Department spokesperson Price said. Several nations have recalled embassy officials from Kyiv and ordered citizens to evacuate from the region amid escalation of the crisis. Dutch airways KLM had earlier suspended flights to Ukraine until further notice.

<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>

Amid the escalating crisis, the UK government said there is still a &nbsp;"crucial window for diplomacy" while urging Russia to "step back" from invasion threats towards Ukraine.

Several European nations including France have warned Putin's regime against invading Ukraine with the threat of crippling sanctions on Russia.

Putin has repeatedly dismissed reports of an invasion even as over 100,000 troops have massed at the Ukraine border with&nbsp;heavy artillery, tanks and missile launchers.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid moves to broker peace with Russia over the Ukraine crisis, the US State Department said that Russian forces continue to arrive at the Ukrainian border. "It is a distinct possibility, perhaps more real than ever before, that Russia may decide to proceed with military action," US State Department spokesman Ned Price said, adding, "an invasion, as we have said, could begin at any time.

Amid moves to broker peace with Russia over the Ukraine crisis, the US State Department said that Russian forces continue to arrive at the Ukrainian border. "It is a distinct possibility, perhaps more real than ever before, that Russia may decide to proceed with military action," US State Department spokesman Ned Price said, adding, "an invasion, as we have said, could begin at any time." Also Read in Pics | How Russia's Kinzhal hypersonic missiles can degrade high value targets Meanwhile, the Pentagon said US defence secretary Lloyd Austin will leave for Europe for crisis talks and will visit the NATO headquarters and visit Poland with US troops deployed in the region. Austin will also meet Lithuanian leaders and host defence ministers of Baltic states namely Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia who increasingly feel threatened by Russia's moves in Ukraine. Watch: Ukraine bets on drones to 'outsmart' Russia Pentagon spokesman Lloyd Austin added that "we still don't believe that some final decision has been made." However, Austin added that "military action could happen any day," while asserting that, "it is entirely possible that he could move with little to no warning." "We believe that diplomacy continues to be viable," State Department spokesperson Price said. Several nations have recalled embassy officials from Kyiv and ordered citizens to evacuate from the region amid escalation of the crisis. Dutch airways KLM had earlier suspended flights to Ukraine until further notice. Also Read in Pics| Ukraine's challenge: How Russia uses Spetsnaz as 'tip of the spear' Amid the escalating crisis, the UK government said there is still a "crucial window for diplomacy" while urging Russia to "step back" from invasion threats towards Ukraine. Several European nations including France have warned Putin's regime against invading Ukraine with the threat of crippling sanctions on Russia. Putin has repeatedly dismissed reports of an invasion even as over 100,000 troops have massed at the Ukraine border with heavy artillery, tanks and missile launchers. (With inputs from Agencies)

Russian forces continue to arrive at the Ukrainian border, warns US

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.

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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

NATO had recently said it was set to bolster troops in the Baltic Sea region in order to ensure&nbsp;"deterrence" against Russia as the European military alliance decided to activate its Response Force consisting of 40,000 troops.

NATO has enhanced the Response Force in 2014 as Russia annexed Crimea and deployed 20,000 troops on high alert. The White House said on Sunday that US President Joe Biden and &nbsp;Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had agreed on diplomacy and "deterrence" as means to take on Russia with thousands of troops stationed on the border with Ukraine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/war-zone-ukraines-us-made-javelin-anti-tank-missile-vs-russian-t-72-beasts-451693">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Ukraine's US-made Javelin anti-tank missile vs Russian T-72 beasts</a>

US Secretary of state Anthony Binken has insisted the US and its allies have been "building deterrence and building defence" to ensure Russia does not move against Ukraine even as President Biden sent 1,000 soldiers to Romania and 2,000 to Poland to bolster NATO's eastern flank amid fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine.

What does 'deterrence' mean?

The term was widely used during the Cold War between the former Soviet Union and the US as both sides sought to keep the other in check with the threat of nuclear war looming.&nbsp;

Deterrence is used as a tool of international diplomacy when both sides are equally balanced in terms of arms and ammunition leading to "mutually assured destruction” if war breaks out with neither side being victorious.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-crisis-us-thaad-vs-russian-s-400-missile-defence-system-451457">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;US THAAD vs Russian S-400 missile defence system</a>

The concept famously came into play during the Cuban missile crisis in 1961 as the former Soviet Union realised that a nuclear war would lead to unimaginable losses on both sides as it removed missiles from Cuba.

'Deterrence' during Ukraine crisis

The ongoing crisis between Ukraine and Russia has once again brought "deterrence" to the fore as the US has repeatedly said there could be heavy losses both for Ukraine and Russia if war breaks out.

Estonian PM Kaja Kallas waded into the debate asserting that "NATO has been right to bolster its defence and deterrence posture in the eastern flank," amid threats from Russia even as NATO chief said it was considering more long-term "adjustments" to its posture in the eastern part.

The West has been seeking a "military balance" with Russia as several Baltic nations feel threatened by Russia's military manoeuvres.

The situation on Europe's eastern region has become unstable ever since Russia annexed Crimea and has been threatening Ukraine with the deployment of thousands of troops at the border.

(With inputs from Agencies)

NATO had recently said it was set to bolster troops in the Baltic Sea region in order to ensure "deterrence" against Russia as the European military alliance decided to activate its Response Force consisting of 40,000 troops.

NATO had recently said it was set to bolster troops in the Baltic Sea region in order to ensure "deterrence" against Russia as the European military alliance decided to activate its Response Force consisting of 40,000 troops. NATO has enhanced the Response Force in 2014 as Russia annexed Crimea and deployed 20,000 troops on high alert. The White House said on Sunday that US President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had agreed on diplomacy and "deterrence" as means to take on Russia with thousands of troops stationed on the border with Ukraine. Also Read in Pics: Ukraine's US-made Javelin anti-tank missile vs Russian T-72 beasts US Secretary of state Anthony Binken has insisted the US and its allies have been "building deterrence and building defence" to ensure Russia does not move against Ukraine even as President Biden sent 1,000 soldiers to Romania and 2,000 to Poland to bolster NATO's eastern flank amid fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine. What does 'deterrence' mean? The term was widely used during the Cold War between the former Soviet Union and the US as both sides sought to keep the other in check with the threat of nuclear war looming. Deterrence is used as a tool of international diplomacy when both sides are equally balanced in terms of arms and ammunition leading to "mutually assured destruction” if war breaks out with neither side being victorious. Also Read in Pics: US THAAD vs Russian S-400 missile defence system The concept famously came into play during the Cuban missile crisis in 1961 as the former Soviet Union realised that a nuclear war would lead to unimaginable losses on both sides as it removed missiles from Cuba. 'Deterrence' during Ukraine crisis The ongoing crisis between Ukraine and Russia has once again brought "deterrence" to the fore as the US has repeatedly said there could be heavy losses both for Ukraine and Russia if war breaks out. Estonian PM Kaja Kallas waded into the debate asserting that "NATO has been right to bolster its defence and deterrence posture in the eastern flank," amid threats from Russia even as NATO chief said it was considering more long-term "adjustments" to its posture in the eastern part. The West has been seeking a "military balance" with Russia as several Baltic nations feel threatened by Russia's military manoeuvres. The situation on Europe's eastern region has become unstable ever since Russia annexed Crimea and has been threatening Ukraine with the deployment of thousands of troops at the border. (With inputs from Agencies)

Deterrence & Cold War: How US seeks to 'contain' Putin's regime in Ukraine

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?

Satellite images show Russian troop deployment around Ukraine, Crimea

War zone: Ukraine's US-made Javelin anti-tank missile vs Russian T-72 beasts

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

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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

US troops arrived in Germany as reinforcement for NATO troops amid tensions with Russia over its troop buildup along Ukraine's border.

2,000 US soldiers touched down on European soil from the 18th Airborne Corps as part of the paratrooper division to be deployed in Poland.&nbsp;

President Joe Biden had committed nearly 3,000 extra troops to Poland and Romania in a bid to keep a check on Russian forces massed along 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:&nbsp;Kinzhal hypersonic missiles&nbsp;</a>

The US has said there are over 100,000 Russian troops massed along Ukraine's ready to invade the country, however, President Putin has dismissed reports that his forces are set to enter Ukrainian territory while maintaining that Russian troops have the right to move about anywhere inside their territory.

Watch:&nbsp;Ukraine vs Russia: Comparing the Military capabilities

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-ukraine-vs-russia-comparing-the-military-capabilities-450586/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, after Russia and China issued a joint statement over their opposition to any NATO expansion, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said: "Destabilising conflict in Europe would impact China's interests all over the world and certainly China should know that."

Ahead of the Winter Olympics, Putin and President Xi in a joint statement had reiterated their "friendship" while asserting that there was "no limit" or "forbidden" areas of cooperation.

Psaki however hit out at Russia saying: "Our objective is to deny Russia the opportunity to use these lies to justify an invasion of Ukraine and to convey clearly these are actions we're seeing that are straight out of their playbook."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russias-checkmate-why-the-orion-combat-drone-is-a-gamechanger-446455">Also Read |&nbsp;Russia's 'checkmate': Why the Orion combat drone is a gamechanger</a>

"We've seen them run false flag operations in the past and use confusion to launch military action many times in history," the White House press secretary added.&nbsp;

China and Russia also voiced their opposition to the newly formed AUKUS alliance comprising of the US, Britain and Australia as Putin's regime said Taiwan is an inalienable part of China.

China's bid to highlight&nbsp;the Winter Olympics worldwide has been hit by diplomatic boycott by the US and other Western countries&nbsp;even as President Putin is currently under scrutiny over tensions in Ukraine.

(With inputs from Agencies)

US troops arrived in Germany as reinforcement for NATO troops amid tensions with Russia over its troop buildup along Ukraine's border. 2,000 US soldiers touched down on European soil from the 18th Airborne Corps as part of the paratrooper division to be deployed in Poland.

US troops arrived in Germany as reinforcement for NATO troops amid tensions with Russia over its troop buildup along Ukraine's border. 2,000 US soldiers touched down on European soil from the 18th Airborne Corps as part of the paratrooper division to be deployed in Poland. President Joe Biden had committed nearly 3,000 extra troops to Poland and Romania in a bid to keep a check on Russian forces massed along Ukraine's border. Also Read in Pics | Russia's 'Dagger' on Ukraine: Kinzhal hypersonic missiles The US has said there are over 100,000 Russian troops massed along Ukraine's ready to invade the country, however, President Putin has dismissed reports that his forces are set to enter Ukrainian territory while maintaining that Russian troops have the right to move about anywhere inside their territory. Watch: Ukraine vs Russia: Comparing the Military capabilities Meanwhile, after Russia and China issued a joint statement over their opposition to any NATO expansion, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said: "Destabilising conflict in Europe would impact China's interests all over the world and certainly China should know that." Ahead of the Winter Olympics, Putin and President Xi in a joint statement had reiterated their "friendship" while asserting that there was "no limit" or "forbidden" areas of cooperation. Psaki however hit out at Russia saying: "Our objective is to deny Russia the opportunity to use these lies to justify an invasion of Ukraine and to convey clearly these are actions we're seeing that are straight out of their playbook." Also Read | Russia's 'checkmate': Why the Orion combat drone is a gamechanger "We've seen them run false flag operations in the past and use confusion to launch military action many times in history," the White House press secretary added. China and Russia also voiced their opposition to the newly formed AUKUS alliance comprising of the US, Britain and Australia as Putin's regime said Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. China's bid to highlight the Winter Olympics worldwide has been hit by diplomatic boycott by the US and other Western countries even as President Putin is currently under scrutiny over tensions in Ukraine. (With inputs from Agencies)

Destabilising conflict in Europe will impact China: US on Ukraine row

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

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.

<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 drill</a>

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

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-and-allies-have-surrounded-ukraine-from-three-sides-449138/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

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

Russia's 'Dagger' on Ukraine: Kinzhal hypersonic missiles can degrade high value targets

Satellite photos show Russian troops deployed near Ukraine border

Why Russia has parked Iskander-M missile system along Ukraine

Skyfall, Avangard, Sarmat: Russia's new killer 'superpower' weapons revealed

Ukrainian&nbsp;President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has said that his country wants a new agreement on ceasefire and prisoner exchanges with Russia.

According to him, ''I think it is positive that the president of the United States spoke with the president of the Russian Federation.''

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-bidens-carrots-and-sticks-for-putin-434942/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The talks were seen as a chance to lower tensions on the Russian-Ukrainian border, where Moscow has deployed up to 100,000 troops, sparking fears of a major war.

"The most important thing that we see now is that there is a personal real reaction and personal role of President Biden in resolving this conflict, the war in the east of our state."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-failed-to-comply-with-the-minsk-agreements-putin-informs-biden-434964" hreflang="en">Ukraine failed to comply with the Minsk agreements: Putin informs Biden</a>

Meanwhile, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told news agency Reuters, ''The contact itself serves (as) deterrence and de-escalation.''

"We appreciate the crucial diplomatic engagement of the US in efforts to bring Russia back to the table of negotiations," he added.

It comes after US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a virtual meeting to discuss Western concerns about a Russian military buildup near the Ukrainian border.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-respond-with-strong-economic-measures-over-ukraine-escalation-biden-tells-putin-434960" hreflang="en">Will respond with strong economic measures over Ukraine escalation: Biden tells Putin</a>

After the meeting, Putin said, “We have an opportunity to continue this dialogue, which I think is the most important thing.”

“Russia will prepare its arguments literally in a few days, within a week, and we will submit it to the American side for consideration,” he added.

Biden “told President Putin directly that if Russia further invades Ukraine, the United States and our European allies would respond with strong economic measures,” US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said.

Ex-Soviet Ukraine has been fighting pro-Russia separatists in its eastern Lugansk and Donetsk regions since 2014, shortly after Moscow seized Crimea.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has said that his country wants a new agreement on ceasefire and prisoner exchanges with Russia. According to him, ''I think it is positive that the president of the United States spoke with the president of the Russian Federation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has said that his country wants a new agreement on ceasefire and prisoner exchanges with Russia. According to him, ''I think it is positive that the president of the United States spoke with the president of the Russian Federation.'' The talks were seen as a chance to lower tensions on the Russian-Ukrainian border, where Moscow has deployed up to 100,000 troops, sparking fears of a major war. "The most important thing that we see now is that there is a personal real reaction and personal role of President Biden in resolving this conflict, the war in the east of our state." Also read | Ukraine failed to comply with the Minsk agreements: Putin informs Biden Meanwhile, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told news agency Reuters, ''The contact itself serves (as) deterrence and de-escalation.'' "We appreciate the crucial diplomatic engagement of the US in efforts to bring Russia back to the table of negotiations," he added. It comes after US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a virtual meeting to discuss Western concerns about a Russian military buildup near the Ukrainian border. Also read | Will respond with strong economic measures over Ukraine escalation: Biden tells Putin After the meeting, Putin said, “We have an opportunity to continue this dialogue, which I think is the most important thing.” “Russia will prepare its arguments literally in a few days, within a week, and we will submit it to the American side for consideration,” he added. Biden “told President Putin directly that if Russia further invades Ukraine, the United States and our European allies would respond with strong economic measures,” US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said. Ex-Soviet Ukraine has been fighting pro-Russia separatists in its eastern Lugansk and Donetsk regions since 2014, shortly after Moscow seized Crimea. (With inputs from agencies)

'Path to deterrence and de-escalation': Ukraine wants new agreement on ceasefire with Russia

Kyiv called for swift action on Monday to ward off Moscow's threat of invasion, saying that a Russian military operation could be launched "in the blink of an eye".

Russian military activity near Ukraine has alarmed Western countries this month, with the United States, saying it is "concerned" about an influx of troops near the border.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-president-volodymyr-zelenskiy-says-russia-is-planning-coup-against-him-432250">Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says Russia is planning coup against him</a>

Dmytro Kuleba, Ukrainian Foreign Minister, told foreign media at a briefing that it is better to act now than later to "deter Russia".

"What we are seeing is very serious. Russia has deployed a large military force in regions close to Ukraine's state border."

"If Russia decides to undertake a military operation, things will happen in literally the blink of an eye," the foreign minister told reporters.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-will-happen-if-russian-troops-invade-ukraine-431684">What will happen if Russian troops invade Ukraine?</a>

According to him, Moscow has massed 115,000 troops around Ukraine, on the Crimean peninsula, which Russia annexed in 2014, and in two eastern provinces occupied by pro-Russian separatist forces.

He added that tanks, artillery, electronic warfare systems, and air and naval forces had also been deployed.

However, we will "fight back," he said, adding that Ukraine's military has grown "incomparably stronger" than a few years back in 2014 when breakaway fighters took over the Donetsk and Lugansk regions in a simmering conflict that has claimed over 13,000 lives.

Kyiv and its Western allies accuse Russia of sending troops and arms to support the separatists, a charge Moscow denies.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Will Ukraine witness a coup in the next 36 hours?

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Having seen an increase in violence at the beginning of the year, Russia sent around 100,000 troops to Ukraine's borders in the spring, causing worries about a major escalation.

The Russians later announced a pullback, but Ukraine and ally the United States at the time said the withdrawal was limited.

This new Russian troop movement has alarmed Ukraine, the United States, NATO, and the European Union in recent weeks, and they have warned of an invasion.

Moscow has dismissed the claims, accused Kyiv of "provocations" and has instead blamed Washington for escalating tensions in the region.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malicious-propaganda-russian-spy-chief-dismisses-reports-of-plan-to-invade-ukraine-432438">'Malicious propaganda': Russian spy chief dismisses reports of plan to invade Ukraine</a>

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby called Russian troop movements "an continuing concern" and pledged US support for Ukrainian forces, though he downplayed expectations of a direct US military intervention.

"We continue to see movement, we continue to see additions" to their forces near the Ukrainian border, said Kirby.

"We're watching it very closely," he told reporters, adding: "We don't envision any US military intervention in this conflict."

(WIth inputs from agencies)

Kyiv called for swift action on Monday to ward off Moscow's threat of invasion, saying that a Russian military operation could be launched "in the blink of an eye".

Kyiv called for swift action on Monday to ward off Moscow's threat of invasion, saying that a Russian military operation could be launched "in the blink of an eye". Russian military activity near Ukraine has alarmed Western countries this month, with the United States, saying it is "concerned" about an influx of troops near the border. Also read | Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says Russia is planning coup against him Dmytro Kuleba, Ukrainian Foreign Minister, told foreign media at a briefing that it is better to act now than later to "deter Russia". "What we are seeing is very serious. Russia has deployed a large military force in regions close to Ukraine's state border." "If Russia decides to undertake a military operation, things will happen in literally the blink of an eye," the foreign minister told reporters. Also see | What will happen if Russian troops invade Ukraine? According to him, Moscow has massed 115,000 troops around Ukraine, on the Crimean peninsula, which Russia annexed in 2014, and in two eastern provinces occupied by pro-Russian separatist forces. He added that tanks, artillery, electronic warfare systems, and air and naval forces had also been deployed. However, we will "fight back," he said, adding that Ukraine's military has grown "incomparably stronger" than a few years back in 2014 when breakaway fighters took over the Donetsk and Lugansk regions in a simmering conflict that has claimed over 13,000 lives. Kyiv and its Western allies accuse Russia of sending troops and arms to support the separatists, a charge Moscow denies. Watch | Gravitas: Will Ukraine witness a coup in the next 36 hours? Having seen an increase in violence at the beginning of the year, Russia sent around 100,000 troops to Ukraine's borders in the spring, causing worries about a major escalation. The Russians later announced a pullback, but Ukraine and ally the United States at the time said the withdrawal was limited. This new Russian troop movement has alarmed Ukraine, the United States, NATO, and the European Union in recent weeks, and they have warned of an invasion. Moscow has dismissed the claims, accused Kyiv of "provocations" and has instead blamed Washington for escalating tensions in the region. Also read | 'Malicious propaganda': Russian spy chief dismisses reports of plan to invade Ukraine Pentagon spokesman John Kirby called Russian troop movements "an continuing concern" and pledged US support for Ukrainian forces, though he downplayed expectations of a direct US military intervention. "We continue to see movement, we continue to see additions" to their forces near the Ukrainian border, said Kirby. "We're watching it very closely," he told reporters, adding: "We don't envision any US military intervention in this conflict." (WIth inputs from agencies)

Ukraine urges swift action, says Russian military operation could be launched 'in the blink of an eye'

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

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

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

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

The "Rapid Trident" military international military drills continued in Ukraine with fifteen countries gathered for the joint exercises.

One of the first drills included the simulation of the liberation of a captured town from hybrid extremist groups.

The joint multinational unit of the armed forces of Ukraine, Bulgaria, Romania and Poland are involved in the exercise with over 6,000 servicemen including around 150 representatives from the US armed forces taking part in the drills.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-engaged-in-new-cold-war-with-rivals-china-and-russia-say-most-europeans-in-poll-414905">Also Read:&nbsp;US engaged in new cold war with rivals China and Russia, say most Europeans in poll &nbsp;</a>

Ukraine which is at war with Russia-backed separatists since 2014 began hosting the joint military exercises with the US and other NATO troops on Monday.&nbsp;

Ukraine has been seeking integration with NATO in order to thwart Russia's military power on its border. The relations between Ukraine and Russia have been on the edge since 2014 when the Russian military annexed Crimea.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-military-spotted-near-ukraine-border-after-us-warning-376922">Also Read: Russian military spotted near Ukraine border after US warning</a>

The drills are set to last until October 1. The US said the exercise was meant to "enhance interoperability among allied and partner nations".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-to-review-russian-military-might-as-tensions-with-west-soar-383768">Also Read:&nbsp;Putin to review Russian military might as tensions with West soar&nbsp;</a>

The exercise comes after Russia staged a drill near EU borders of Russia and Belarus recently which Moscow said involved at least 200,000 troops even as nearly 20 Russian warships began large-scale live-fire exercises in the Black Sea on Monday.

The drills have become a major point of friction between Ukraine and Russia as Moscow&nbsp;gathered thousands of troops on Ukraine's border in April as tensions escalated in the region. Putin's regime however pulled back troops later.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

The "Rapid Trident" military international military drills continued in Ukraine with fifteen countries gathered for the joint exercises. One of the first drills included the simulation of the liberation of a captured town from hybrid extremist groups.

The "Rapid Trident" military international military drills continued in Ukraine with fifteen countries gathered for the joint exercises. One of the first drills included the simulation of the liberation of a captured town from hybrid extremist groups. The joint multinational unit of the armed forces of Ukraine, Bulgaria, Romania and Poland are involved in the exercise with over 6,000 servicemen including around 150 representatives from the US armed forces taking part in the drills. Also Read: US engaged in new cold war with rivals China and Russia, say most Europeans in poll Ukraine which is at war with Russia-backed separatists since 2014 began hosting the joint military exercises with the US and other NATO troops on Monday. Ukraine has been seeking integration with NATO in order to thwart Russia's military power on its border. The relations between Ukraine and Russia have been on the edge since 2014 when the Russian military annexed Crimea. Also Read: Russian military spotted near Ukraine border after US warning The drills are set to last until October 1. The US said the exercise was meant to "enhance interoperability among allied and partner nations". Also Read: Putin to review Russian military might as tensions with West soar The exercise comes after Russia staged a drill near EU borders of Russia and Belarus recently which Moscow said involved at least 200,000 troops even as nearly 20 Russian warships began large-scale live-fire exercises in the Black Sea on Monday. The drills have become a major point of friction between Ukraine and Russia as Moscow gathered thousands of troops on Ukraine's border in April as tensions escalated in the region. Putin's regime however pulled back troops later. (With inputs from Agencies)

Ukraine conducts international military excercise amid tensions with Russia

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

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

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

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

Peace negotiations are usually thought to involve two sides brought together by a mediator trying to tease out possible compromises, far from the anger and destruction of the battlefield.

But talks starting in Geneva on Monday on the 8-year-old war in Ukraine are different. The conflict — and an overtly threatened Russian invasion that the talks are intended to forestall — is in Ukraine. But Ukraine will be missing from two of the three negotiating sessions scheduled for this week.

Such a limited role for Ukraine in the talks has clearly unnerved the government in Kyiv. Fearing the talks will yield little or nothing, and with President Joe Biden’s statement that the United States will not intervene militarily if Russia invades, Ukraine has quietly pursued its own negotiating track with Moscow.

The latest threat of invasion began last month, when Russia massed more than 100,000 troops along its borders with Ukraine and demanded wide-ranging — and, to Western analysts, impossible — concessions from the U.S. and NATO on matters of European security.

Those were laid out in two draft treaties proposed by Moscow that the government in Kyiv — because it is not a member of the alliance — has no say over. President Vladimir Putin of Russia subsequently threatened to launch an invasion of Ukraine if the talks on its proposals should fail.

In effect, that made Ukraine “the hostage,” of Russia, said Kostiantyn Yelisieiev, a former Ukrainian ambassador to the European Union.

Moscow’s sidelining of Ukraine and its demand for direct talks with the U.S. and NATO were intentional, Yelisieiev said.

One of Russia’s key demands is that NATO exclude any possibility of Ukraine’s membership in the alliance — NATO has already rejected that demand — and halt all military cooperation with the country. Russia also insisted that the alliance halt all military activities throughout Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

“The issues concern all of Europe, including Ukraine, but Putin suggests discussions between Russia and the United States,” Yelisieiev said. “Russia in this way made an announcement of a sphere of influence. ‘You leave us the former Soviet space and do what you want elsewhere.’”

A Ukrainian delegation will take part in the third of the three rounds of talks, scheduled for Thursday in Vienna under the auspices of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. The U.S. has said it is coordinating closely with authorities in Kyiv.

“No decisions about Ukraine without Ukraine,” the Ukrainian foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, posted on Twitter last week, noting he will also meet with NATO officials in Brussels. “Part of a wide diplomatic effort to deter further Russian aggression.”

The current threat follows eight years of low-level conflict. Russia intervened militarily in Ukraine in 2014, annexing the Crimean Peninsula and fomenting separatist uprisings in two eastern provinces, leading to the deaths of about 13,000 people.

Given the stakes for Ukraine, the government of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has decided not to rely wholly on the U.S.-led negotiations. Zelenskyy announced a separate, Ukrainian diplomatic initiative with Russia in late December, the specifics of which were later published in Russian newspaper Kommersant.

The 10-point Ukrainian plan, which is bound to be highly contentious in Ukraine, begins with three confidence-building steps — a cease-fire, an exchange of prisoners and the opening of crossing points for civilians on the front line in the eastern Ukraine war — then moves to political issues. The first point, the cease-fire, has already been implemented.

The political matters involve direct talks between Zelenskyy and Putin and a final point, No. 10, under which the Ukrainian government would submit to parliament laws granting self-rule to separatist areas and devolving some powers to these areas, according to Kommersant.

In the Russian interpretation, these laws would grant its proxies in eastern Ukraine veto power over foreign policy decisions by the central government, including NATO membership for Ukraine, potentially satisfying enough of Russia’s request to forestall a catastrophic war in Ukraine.

Western diplomats say the proposed laws leave wiggle room for interpretation and that Zelenskyy is unlikely to grant Moscow veto power over future NATO membership. The proposal says nothing about the aspiration for NATO membership written into Ukraine’s Constitution and has seemingly stalled after the cease-fire, announced Dec. 22.

Like so many other diplomatic efforts to end the war, this one is given little chance of success by most analysts, but it could serve other purposes. Ukraine can do “nothing” in diplomacy but wait for the possible outbreak of violence, said Oleksandr Danylyuk, a former secretary of the Ukrainian Security Council. “This is why Putin is doing this. It’s his goal to show that Ukraine cannot do anything.”

And the negotiating effort could have one lasting effect: Zelenskyy’s apparent willingness to negotiate over autonomy for the separatist regions and any hint of accepting neutrality between the West and Russia could cause a firestorm in Ukrainian politics.

To date, none of the diplomatic talks with Russia, whether with the U.S. or Ukraine, have slowed the stream of ominous statements from Russian officials that diplomats and analysts worry could be used to justify military action or prepare the Russian population for a war.

In July, Putin published an article arguing that Russia and Ukraine are essentially the same country, with a shared history and culture, suggesting a reason for unification.

The threats became more focused in August after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, when senior Russian security officials publicly taunted Ukraine that it, too, could soon lose the U.S. as a protector.

“The country is headed toward collapse, and the White House at a certain moment won’t even remember about its supporters in Kyiv,” Nikolai Patrushev, secretary of Russia’s Security Council, told Izvestia newspaper soon after the fall of Kabul.

In December, Putin, speaking to a gathering of generals and security officials, said Moscow might resort to “military-technical” means if Western nations “continue the obviously aggressive stance.”

A deputy foreign minister for Russia, Alexander Grushko, more explicitly linked a threat of Russian military force to a breakdown in the talks.

“The Europeans must also think about whether they want to avoid making their continent the scene of a military confrontation,” Grushko said. “They have a choice. Either take seriously what is put on the table or face a military-technical alternative.”

Echoing U.S. claims used to justify the invasion of Iraq in 2003, the Russian defense minister, Sergei K. Shoigu, claimed without providing evidence that Moscow had intelligence showing that American mercenaries had brought an “unidentified chemical component” into Ukraine.

Pro-Kremlin commentators have cheered the Kremlin’s tough stance as a Russian nationalist triumph.

One newspaper compared Moscow favorably to a gangster character in a Russian movie who, “raising his heavy fist and looking into the eyes of his interlocutor, gently asks again: Where is your strength America?” 
&nbsp;

Peace negotiations are usually thought to involve two sides brought together by a mediator trying to tease out possible compromises, far from the anger and destruction of the battlefield.

Peace negotiations are usually thought to involve two sides brought together by a mediator trying to tease out possible compromises, far from the anger and destruction of the battlefield. But talks starting in Geneva on Monday on the 8-year-old war in Ukraine are different. The conflict — and an overtly threatened Russian invasion that the talks are intended to forestall — is in Ukraine. But Ukraine will be missing from two of the three negotiating sessions scheduled for this week. Such a limited role for Ukraine in the talks has clearly unnerved the government in Kyiv. Fearing the talks will yield little or nothing, and with President Joe Biden’s statement that the United States will not intervene militarily if Russia invades, Ukraine has quietly pursued its own negotiating track with Moscow. The latest threat of invasion began last month, when Russia massed more than 100,000 troops along its borders with Ukraine and demanded wide-ranging — and, to Western analysts, impossible — concessions from the U.S. and NATO on matters of European security. Those were laid out in two draft treaties proposed by Moscow that the government in Kyiv — because it is not a member of the alliance — has no say over. President Vladimir Putin of Russia subsequently threatened to launch an invasion of Ukraine if the talks on its proposals should fail. In effect, that made Ukraine “the hostage,” of Russia, said Kostiantyn Yelisieiev, a former Ukrainian ambassador to the European Union. Moscow’s sidelining of Ukraine and its demand for direct talks with the U.S. and NATO were intentional, Yelisieiev said. One of Russia’s key demands is that NATO exclude any possibility of Ukraine’s membership in the alliance — NATO has already rejected that demand — and halt all military cooperation with the country. Russia also insisted that the alliance halt all military activities throughout Eastern Europe and Central Asia. “The issues concern all of Europe, including Ukraine, but Putin suggests discussions between Russia and the United States,” Yelisieiev said. “Russia in this way made an announcement of a sphere of influence. ‘You leave us the former Soviet space and do what you want elsewhere.’” A Ukrainian delegation will take part in the third of the three rounds of talks, scheduled for Thursday in Vienna under the auspices of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. The U.S. has said it is coordinating closely with authorities in Kyiv. “No decisions about Ukraine without Ukraine,” the Ukrainian foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, posted on Twitter last week, noting he will also meet with NATO officials in Brussels. “Part of a wide diplomatic effort to deter further Russian aggression.” The current threat follows eight years of low-level conflict. Russia intervened militarily in Ukraine in 2014, annexing the Crimean Peninsula and fomenting separatist uprisings in two eastern provinces, leading to the deaths of about 13,000 people. Given the stakes for Ukraine, the government of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has decided not to rely wholly on the U.S.-led negotiations. Zelenskyy announced a separate, Ukrainian diplomatic initiative with Russia in late December, the specifics of which were later published in Russian newspaper Kommersant. The 10-point Ukrainian plan, which is bound to be highly contentious in Ukraine, begins with three confidence-building steps — a cease-fire, an exchange of prisoners and the opening of crossing points for civilians on the front line in the eastern Ukraine war — then moves to political issues. The first point, the cease-fire, has already been implemented. The political matters involve direct talks between Zelenskyy and Putin and a final point, No. 10, under which the Ukrainian government would submit to parliament laws granting self-rule to separatist areas and devolving some powers to these areas, according to Kommersant. In the Russian interpretation, these laws would grant its proxies in eastern Ukraine veto power over foreign policy decisions by the central government, including NATO membership for Ukraine, potentially satisfying enough of Russia’s request to forestall a catastrophic war in Ukraine. Western diplomats say the proposed laws leave wiggle room for interpretation and that Zelenskyy is unlikely to grant Moscow veto power over future NATO membership. The proposal says nothing about the aspiration for NATO membership written into Ukraine’s Constitution and has seemingly stalled after the cease-fire, announced Dec. 22. Like so many other diplomatic efforts to end the war, this one is given little chance of success by most analysts, but it could serve other purposes. Ukraine can do “nothing” in diplomacy but wait for the possible outbreak of violence, said Oleksandr Danylyuk, a former secretary of the Ukrainian Security Council. “This is why Putin is doing this. It’s his goal to show that Ukraine cannot do anything.” And the negotiating effort could have one lasting effect: Zelenskyy’s apparent willingness to negotiate over autonomy for the separatist regions and any hint of accepting neutrality between the West and Russia could cause a firestorm in Ukrainian politics. To date, none of the diplomatic talks with Russia, whether with the U.S. or Ukraine, have slowed the stream of ominous statements from Russian officials that diplomats and analysts worry could be used to justify military action or prepare the Russian population for a war. In July, Putin published an article arguing that Russia and Ukraine are essentially the same country, with a shared history and culture, suggesting a reason for unification. The threats became more focused in August after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, when senior Russian security officials publicly taunted Ukraine that it, too, could soon lose the U.S. as a protector. “The country is headed toward collapse, and the White House at a certain moment won’t even remember about its supporters in Kyiv,” Nikolai Patrushev, secretary of Russia’s Security Council, told Izvestia newspaper soon after the fall of Kabul. In December, Putin, speaking to a gathering of generals and security officials, said Moscow might resort to “military-technical” means if Western nations “continue the obviously aggressive stance.” A deputy foreign minister for Russia, Alexander Grushko, more explicitly linked a threat of Russian military force to a breakdown in the talks. “The Europeans must also think about whether they want to avoid making their continent the scene of a military confrontation,” Grushko said. “They have a choice. Either take seriously what is put on the table or face a military-technical alternative.” Echoing U.S. claims used to justify the invasion of Iraq in 2003, the Russian defense minister, Sergei K. Shoigu, claimed without providing evidence that Moscow had intelligence showing that American mercenaries had brought an “unidentified chemical component” into Ukraine. Pro-Kremlin commentators have cheered the Kremlin’s tough stance as a Russian nationalist triumph. One newspaper compared Moscow favorably to a gangster character in a Russian movie who, “raising his heavy fist and looking into the eyes of his interlocutor, gently asks again: Where is your strength America?”

Left out of high-level talks, Ukraine tries other diplomatic channels

The United States has briefed India on Russian military "build-up" on Ukraine's border even as the situation in eastern Europe remains on the brink.

In a telephonic conversation with India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla on Wednesday, US deputy secretary of state Wendy Sherman spoke on a number of issues "including Russia’s concerning military build-up on Ukraine’s borders and regional issues" said a state department readout.

During the talks, both sides discussed a wide range of issues such as the Indo-Pacific&nbsp;situation, UNSC cooperation and the Iran-P5+1 negotiations that have been going on.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
FS <a href="https://twitter.com/harshvshringla?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@harshvshringla</a> had a wide ranging telecon today with US <a href="https://twitter.com/DeputySecState?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DeputySecState</a> Wendy Sherman. 
 
Inter alia reviewed upcoming bilateral engagements and the COVID pandemic, including supply of vaccines, and exchanged views on Indo-Pacific, Middle East, UNSC, India’s neighborhood, etc.
— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1483854693575323648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The focus was also on dealing with the ongoing pandemic&nbsp;as they agreed to remain closely coordinated on "shared goals and priorities and reiterated the importance of a strong US-India partnership to mitigate the COVID-19 Omicron variant’s rapid advance."

The call from Washington comes even as US secretary of State Blinken is in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv to reassure the country against any possible Russian action. Blinken is set to meet Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov on Friday as both Washington abd&nbsp;Moscow hope to find a "diplomatic off-ramp", state department officials have said.

Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov had a meeting with the Indian envoy to Russia Pavan Kapoor on Monday.

During the meeting&nbsp;they "exchanged views and&nbsp;assessments on the events in Geneva, Brussels and&nbsp;Vienna on security guarantees for Russia" according to a Russian readout.

Last week, Geneva saw eight-hour&nbsp;long US-Russia talks led by Ryabkov and&nbsp;Sherman to diffuse the crisis and understand each other's concerns. Moscow has been strongly opposing Ukraine's membership of NATO alliance which it sees as a&nbsp;threat to its security.

For India, both US and&nbsp;Russia are close partners. Russian President Putin was in Delhi last month for the annual summit&nbsp;while PM Modi was in Washington last year for a bilateral with US President Biden and&nbsp;participation at the Quad summit.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amid tensions with Ukraine at the border, deputy foreign minister Sergey Ryabkov said that Russia is not afraid of any state, including the United States.

Russia's TASS news agency quoted Russia's deputy foreign minister as saying that, "We are not afraid of anyone, even the US."

Ryabkov added that the US had promised a response over Russia's security guarantee document next week. In the document, Putin's regime had demanded NATO should not expand its influence to Russia's eastern frontier&nbsp;referring to Ukraine.

<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>

Meanwhile,&nbsp;the US said it will conduct NATO naval exercises in the Mediterranean from Monday which would include the aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman amid tensions with Russia.

"Neptune strike 22 is going to run through February 4 and it's designed to demonstrate NATO's ability to integrate the high-end maritime strike capabilities of an aircraft carrier strike group to support the deterrence and defence of the alliance,” said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby.&nbsp;Russia will also be conducting naval excercise in the Mediterranean

Watch:&nbsp;Will Russia go to war?

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On Friday&nbsp;US secretary of state Antony Blinken had met Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov in an attempt to de-escalate the Ukraine crisis as both leaders agreed to keep talking.

Blinken sought to address "mutual concerns" about security as the US secretary of state asserted if Russia chose the path to conflict it would lead to "severe consequences and international condemnation".

Blinken said he told Russia said that if its forces invaded Ukraine then it would be met with "swift, severe and a united response from the United States and its allies".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/satellite-photos-show-russian-troops-deployed-near-ukraine-border-446072">Also Read in Pics |&nbsp;Satellite photos show Russian troops deployed near Ukraine border</a>

Russia however insisted that it awaits the US response to the security guarantee. Lavrov added that this is "not the end of our dialogue".&nbsp;

"I can't tell you if we're on the right track or the wrong track. We'll understand this when we receive the American response on paper to all the points in our proposal," Lavrov said.

Amid talks between the top diplomats, Russian troops conducted military drills in the Voronezh region on the border with Ukraine.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid tensions with Ukraine at the border, deputy foreign minister Sergey Ryabkov said that Russia is not afraid of any state, including the United States. Russia's TASS news agency quoted Russia's deputy foreign minister as saying that, "We are not afraid of anyone, even the US.

Amid tensions with Ukraine at the border, deputy foreign minister Sergey Ryabkov said that Russia is not afraid of any state, including the United States. Russia's TASS news agency quoted Russia's deputy foreign minister as saying that, "We are not afraid of anyone, even the US." Ryabkov added that the US had promised a response over Russia's security guarantee document next week. In the document, Putin's regime had demanded NATO should not expand its influence to Russia's eastern frontier referring to Ukraine. Also Read in Pics | Russia's 'checkmate': Why the Orion combat drone is a gamechanger Meanwhile, the US said it will conduct NATO naval exercises in the Mediterranean from Monday which would include the aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman amid tensions with Russia. "Neptune strike 22 is going to run through February 4 and it's designed to demonstrate NATO's ability to integrate the high-end maritime strike capabilities of an aircraft carrier strike group to support the deterrence and defence of the alliance,” said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby. Russia will also be conducting naval excercise in the Mediterranean Watch: Will Russia go to war? On Friday US secretary of state Antony Blinken had met Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov in an attempt to de-escalate the Ukraine crisis as both leaders agreed to keep talking. Blinken sought to address "mutual concerns" about security as the US secretary of state asserted if Russia chose the path to conflict it would lead to "severe consequences and international condemnation". Blinken said he told Russia said that if its forces invaded Ukraine then it would be met with "swift, severe and a united response from the United States and its allies". Also Read in Pics | Satellite photos show Russian troops deployed near Ukraine border Russia however insisted that it awaits the US response to the security guarantee. Lavrov added that this is "not the end of our dialogue". "I can't tell you if we're on the right track or the wrong track. We'll understand this when we receive the American response on paper to all the points in our proposal," Lavrov said. Amid talks between the top diplomats, Russian troops conducted military drills in the Voronezh region on the border with Ukraine. (With inputs from Agencies)

NATO to conduct naval exercise in Mediterranean amid tensions with Russia

Belarus has&nbsp;introduced "discriminatory" trade barriers against a range of goods from&nbsp;Ukraine amid&nbsp;global pressure after it forced a Ryanair plane carrying an opposition journalist to land in Minsk.

Ukraine had earlier banned flights to and from Belarus, following the forced landing of the flight from Greece to Lithuania at the weekend and the arrest of Roman Protasevich, a dissident Belarusian journalist on board.

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Deputy economy minister Taras Kachka said on Facebook new six-month licences would be required for the import of Ukrainian goods which would come into force in 10 days.

They would apply, among other things, to confectionery, beer, chipboard, wallpaper, toilet paper, packaging, bricks, ceramic tiles, agricultural machinery, washing machines and furniture.

"Such actions are unjustified and discriminatory. Individual licensing regime means manual control of the import of Ukrainian products to Belarus," he said.

Kachka said the government was talking to producers to try to reduce the negative effects of the licences.

Ukrainian energy analysts said Minsk also suspended fuel supplies to&nbsp;Ukraine. The energy ministry said it could not confirm this but added that the country had sufficient petrol reserves.

On Wednesday,&nbsp;Ukraine's state energy regulatory authority ruled to ban electricity imports from Belarus and its closest ally, Russia, as they are not members of the Energy Community (of South East Europe).

Since Soviet times,&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;has been connected to the energy systems of neighbouring states and at the beginning of this year imported energy due to a lack of domestic power generation.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has advised domestic and foreign airlines to avoid Belarusian air space.&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;also decided to ban Belarus-registered planes from using its airspace from May 29.

(With inputs from agencies)

Belarus has introduced "discriminatory" trade barriers against a range of goods from Ukraine amid global pressure after it forced a Ryanair plane carrying an opposition journalist to land in Minsk.

Belarus has introduced "discriminatory" trade barriers against a range of goods from Ukraine amid global pressure after it forced a Ryanair plane carrying an opposition journalist to land in Minsk. Ukraine had earlier banned flights to and from Belarus, following the forced landing of the flight from Greece to Lithuania at the weekend and the arrest of Roman Protasevich, a dissident Belarusian journalist on board. Deputy economy minister Taras Kachka said on Facebook new six-month licences would be required for the import of Ukrainian goods which would come into force in 10 days. They would apply, among other things, to confectionery, beer, chipboard, wallpaper, toilet paper, packaging, bricks, ceramic tiles, agricultural machinery, washing machines and furniture. "Such actions are unjustified and discriminatory. Individual licensing regime means manual control of the import of Ukrainian products to Belarus," he said. Kachka said the government was talking to producers to try to reduce the negative effects of the licences. Ukrainian energy analysts said Minsk also suspended fuel supplies to Ukraine. The energy ministry said it could not confirm this but added that the country had sufficient petrol reserves. On Wednesday, Ukraine's state energy regulatory authority ruled to ban electricity imports from Belarus and its closest ally, Russia, as they are not members of the Energy Community (of South East Europe). Since Soviet times, Ukraine has been connected to the energy systems of neighbouring states and at the beginning of this year imported energy due to a lack of domestic power generation. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has advised domestic and foreign airlines to avoid Belarusian air space. Ukraine also decided to ban Belarus-registered planes from using its airspace from May 29. (With inputs from agencies)

Belarus imposes trade barriers on Ukraine amid plane row

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Thursday that Russia's issuance of its passports to residents of eastern&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;is the first step towards the "annexation" of the region.

"This is definitely the first step, because the same thing happened once in Crimea, Crimea residents were given Russian passports. This is a big problem," Zelenskiy told a news conference.

The comments come shortly after tensions between Kiev and Moscow reached a fever pitch when the Kremlin sent tens of thousands of troops to&nbsp;Ukraine's border to run military drills.

The move exacerbated tensions between the ex-Soviet former allies stemming from Russia's takeover of Crimea and support for separatists that have controlled two regions of eastern&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;since 2014.&nbsp;

Zelensky said that Russia was still flexing its muscle on the Black Sea and that it had only removed 3,000 to 3,500 troops from Crimea.

"The forces that remain along the Ukrainian border permit the Russian side to launch a military operation against&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;at any moment," Zelensky said.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken raised Washington's "deep concerns" about Russian troops amassed along the&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;border despite an announced pullback, in his first talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Thursday that Russia's issuance of its passports to residents of eastern Ukraine is the first step towards the "annexation" of the region.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Thursday that Russia's issuance of its passports to residents of eastern Ukraine is the first step towards the "annexation" of the region. "This is definitely the first step, because the same thing happened once in Crimea, Crimea residents were given Russian passports. This is a big problem," Zelenskiy told a news conference. The comments come shortly after tensions between Kiev and Moscow reached a fever pitch when the Kremlin sent tens of thousands of troops to Ukraine's border to run military drills. The move exacerbated tensions between the ex-Soviet former allies stemming from Russia's takeover of Crimea and support for separatists that have controlled two regions of eastern Ukraine since 2014. Zelensky said that Russia was still flexing its muscle on the Black Sea and that it had only removed 3,000 to 3,500 troops from Crimea. "The forces that remain along the Ukrainian border permit the Russian side to launch a military operation against Ukraine at any moment," Zelensky said. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken raised Washington's "deep concerns" about Russian troops amassed along the Ukraine border despite an announced pullback, in his first talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday.

Russian passports in Donbass are step towards 'annexation', says Ukraine President Zelenskiy

A Ukrainian court ordered the prominent pro-Russian politician Viktor Medvedchuk to be put under house arrest on Thursday while he faces allegations of treason in a case that could ratchet up tensions with Russia.

Medvedchuk, who promotes closer ties with Moscow and says President Vladimir Putin is godfather to his daughter, is widely seen as Russia's most prominent political ally in Kyiv.

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After an eight-hour court hearing in Kyiv, Medvedchuk was ordered to remain under house arrest until July 9, wear an electronic bracelet and surrender his passport.

He hugged associates after the judge's ruling and told reporters: We "will continue to fight so that illegal charges are not brought against me."

Outside, a crowd of nationalist protesters had shouted "Medvedchuk is an agent of the Kremlin" and lit flares during the hearing.

If found guilty, Medvedchuk could face up to 15 years in prison.

Medvedchuk, who says he has known Putin for decades, continued to hold meetings with the Russian leader after 2014, when Moscow annexed Crimea and supported separatist forces in a conflict in eastern&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;that Kyiv says has killed 14,000.

The Kremlin has said in the past that Putin has great respect for Medvedchuk and values his role as an intermediary with Kyiv. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday Moscow would not interfere in Medvedchuk's case, but that it is "watching this in the most careful way and would like to make sure that there are no political motives behind this case".

Relations between Moscow and Kyiv have been increasingly tense in recent months, with Russia having massed additional troops near the border and the two countries trading blame for a collapse in the ceasefire in eastern&nbsp;Ukraine.

The treason case is part of a crackdown against Medvedchuk that began in February when he and several associates were put under sanctions by&nbsp;Ukraine's president and three television channels owned by an ally were forced off air. The Kremlin had described the sanctions as alarming.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Ukrainian court ordered the prominent pro-Russian politician Viktor Medvedchuk to be put under house arrest on Thursday while he faces allegations of treason in a case that could ratchet up tensions with Russia.

A Ukrainian court ordered the prominent pro-Russian politician Viktor Medvedchuk to be put under house arrest on Thursday while he faces allegations of treason in a case that could ratchet up tensions with Russia. Medvedchuk, who promotes closer ties with Moscow and says President Vladimir Putin is godfather to his daughter, is widely seen as Russia's most prominent political ally in Kyiv. After an eight-hour court hearing in Kyiv, Medvedchuk was ordered to remain under house arrest until July 9, wear an electronic bracelet and surrender his passport. He hugged associates after the judge's ruling and told reporters: We "will continue to fight so that illegal charges are not brought against me." Outside, a crowd of nationalist protesters had shouted "Medvedchuk is an agent of the Kremlin" and lit flares during the hearing. If found guilty, Medvedchuk could face up to 15 years in prison. Medvedchuk, who says he has known Putin for decades, continued to hold meetings with the Russian leader after 2014, when Moscow annexed Crimea and supported separatist forces in a conflict in eastern Ukraine that Kyiv says has killed 14,000. The Kremlin has said in the past that Putin has great respect for Medvedchuk and values his role as an intermediary with Kyiv. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday Moscow would not interfere in Medvedchuk's case, but that it is "watching this in the most careful way and would like to make sure that there are no political motives behind this case". Relations between Moscow and Kyiv have been increasingly tense in recent months, with Russia having massed additional troops near the border and the two countries trading blame for a collapse in the ceasefire in eastern Ukraine. The treason case is part of a crackdown against Medvedchuk that began in February when he and several associates were put under sanctions by Ukraine's president and three television channels owned by an ally were forced off air. The Kremlin had described the sanctions as alarming. (With inputs from agencies)

Viktor Medvedchuk: Ukraine opposition leader and Putin ally under house arrest

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Tuesday challenged his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to meet him in eastern Ukraine's Donbass region for talks on ending the conflict there and easing tensions between the two states.

The blunt offer for talks came following a flare-up in clashes between Ukraine's army and pro-Russian separatists controlling two regions in the country's east, raising concerns of a major escalation in the simmering war.

In an address to the nation, Zelensky said that Ukrainian and Russian negotiators had recently discussed plans for officials to travel to the frontlines of the trench conflict to assess the situation.

"I am ready to go even further and invite you to meet in any part of the Ukrainian Donbass where war is ongoing," Zelensky said.

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Kiev has been battling pro-Russian separatists in the eastern Donetsk and Lugansk regions since 2014, following Moscow's annexation of the Crimean peninsula,&nbsp;a move that plunged Russia's ties with the West to new lows and led to economic penalties.

The conflict, which has claimed more than 13,000 lives, has seen 30 Ukrainian soldiers killed since the start of the year, compared to 50 in all of 2020.

The escalation along the frontline as well as sharp rhetoric has spurred fresh rounds of talks. Ukrainian and Russian negotiators met earlier this week and also on Tuesday, although they have so far failed to secure any breakthroughs.

Zelensky said in his address to the nation that although Ukraine did not want war, it was prepared to fight.

"Will Ukraine defend itself if something happens? Always. Our principle is simple: Ukraine does not start a war first, but Ukraine always stands to the last," he said.

On the frontline however, fears were growing of a major escalation, with soldiers set to repel attacks and streets in towns near the front line empty over fears of a return to war.

Ukraine, its Western allies and NATO have accused Russia of a "provocative" build-up of troops on Ukraine's eastern border and in Crimea. Russia in turn accused the United States and NATO of "provocative activity" in the Black Sea region.

The standoff has prompted Ukraine to urge NATO member states to admit Ukraine into the military alliance. It also called on the European Union to impose new economic sanctions on Moscow but acknowledged that EU might not be prepared to do so yet.

"Our citizens need clear signals that in the eighth year of the war, a country that is a shield for Europe at the cost of its lives, will receive support not just as partners, from the stands, but as players on the same team, directly on the field, shoulder to shoulder," Zelenskiy said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Tuesday challenged his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to meet him in eastern Ukraine's Donbass region for talks on ending the conflict there and easing tensions between the two states.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Tuesday challenged his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to meet him in eastern Ukraine's Donbass region for talks on ending the conflict there and easing tensions between the two states. The blunt offer for talks came following a flare-up in clashes between Ukraine's army and pro-Russian separatists controlling two regions in the country's east, raising concerns of a major escalation in the simmering war. In an address to the nation, Zelensky said that Ukrainian and Russian negotiators had recently discussed plans for officials to travel to the frontlines of the trench conflict to assess the situation. "I am ready to go even further and invite you to meet in any part of the Ukrainian Donbass where war is ongoing," Zelensky said. Kiev has been battling pro-Russian separatists in the eastern Donetsk and Lugansk regions since 2014, following Moscow's annexation of the Crimean peninsula, a move that plunged Russia's ties with the West to new lows and led to economic penalties. The conflict, which has claimed more than 13,000 lives, has seen 30 Ukrainian soldiers killed since the start of the year, compared to 50 in all of 2020. The escalation along the frontline as well as sharp rhetoric has spurred fresh rounds of talks. Ukrainian and Russian negotiators met earlier this week and also on Tuesday, although they have so far failed to secure any breakthroughs. Zelensky said in his address to the nation that although Ukraine did not want war, it was prepared to fight. "Will Ukraine defend itself if something happens? Always. Our principle is simple: Ukraine does not start a war first, but Ukraine always stands to the last," he said. On the frontline however, fears were growing of a major escalation, with soldiers set to repel attacks and streets in towns near the front line empty over fears of a return to war. Ukraine, its Western allies and NATO have accused Russia of a "provocative" build-up of troops on Ukraine's eastern border and in Crimea. Russia in turn accused the United States and NATO of "provocative activity" in the Black Sea region. The standoff has prompted Ukraine to urge NATO member states to admit Ukraine into the military alliance. It also called on the European Union to impose new economic sanctions on Moscow but acknowledged that EU might not be prepared to do so yet. "Our citizens need clear signals that in the eighth year of the war, a country that is a shield for Europe at the cost of its lives, will receive support not just as partners, from the stands, but as players on the same team, directly on the field, shoulder to shoulder," Zelenskiy said. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine's President Zelenskiy asks Putin to meet him for peace talks in conflict zone

Ukraine's military on Friday said it would not launch an offensive against pro-Russia separatists controlling two regions in the country's east, as fears grow of a major escalation in the long-running conflict.

"The liberation of the temporarily occupied territories by force will inevitably lead to the death of a large number of civilians and casualties among the military, which is unacceptable for Ukraine," Ruslan Khomchak, chief of the general staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, said in a statement.

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The Russian buildup has become the latest point of friction in icy relations between Moscow and US&nbsp;President Joe Biden's administration, adding to disputes over arms control, human rights and other issues.

Biden last week expressed "unwavering support" for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in his confrontation with Russia, which in 2014 annexed the Crimea peninsula and backed separatists who seized large parts of the eastern Donbas region.

Russia has said its troops are no threat and are defensive, but they would remain as long as the Kremlin sees fit.

The Kremlin said on Tuesday&nbsp;that&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;should take control over its armed forces and not provoke military hostilities in the country's east.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov added that the situation in&nbsp;Ukraine's East remains very tense.

Two Ukrainian servicemen were killed by pro-Russian separatists in eastern&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;over the past 24 hours,&nbsp;Ukraine's military said on Tuesday, adding to already escalating tensions.

Kyiv says Russia has been building up its forces near&nbsp;Ukraine's eastern borders in recent weeks, and reports of separatist attacks on Ukrainian government forces have increased significantly.

NATO has said it is concerned about a Russian military build-up in the Donbass region, where Ukrainian troops have battled Russian-backed separatist forces in a conflict Kyiv estimates has killed 14,000 people since 2014.

Moscow and Kyiv have long accused each other of failing to implement a peace deal over the region.

Ukraine's military on Friday said it would not launch an offensive against pro-Russia separatists controlling two regions in the country's east, as fears grow of a major escalation in the long-running conflict.

Ukraine's military on Friday said it would not launch an offensive against pro-Russia separatists controlling two regions in the country's east, as fears grow of a major escalation in the long-running conflict. "The liberation of the temporarily occupied territories by force will inevitably lead to the death of a large number of civilians and casualties among the military, which is unacceptable for Ukraine," Ruslan Khomchak, chief of the general staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, said in a statement. The Russian buildup has become the latest point of friction in icy relations between Moscow and US President Joe Biden's administration, adding to disputes over arms control, human rights and other issues. Biden last week expressed "unwavering support" for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in his confrontation with Russia, which in 2014 annexed the Crimea peninsula and backed separatists who seized large parts of the eastern Donbas region. Russia has said its troops are no threat and are defensive, but they would remain as long as the Kremlin sees fit. The Kremlin said on Tuesday that Ukraine should take control over its armed forces and not provoke military hostilities in the country's east. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov added that the situation in Ukraine's East remains very tense. Two Ukrainian servicemen were killed by pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine over the past 24 hours, Ukraine's military said on Tuesday, adding to already escalating tensions. Kyiv says Russia has been building up its forces near Ukraine's eastern borders in recent weeks, and reports of separatist attacks on Ukrainian government forces have increased significantly. NATO has said it is concerned about a Russian military build-up in the Donbass region, where Ukrainian troops have battled Russian-backed separatist forces in a conflict Kyiv estimates has killed 14,000 people since 2014. Moscow and Kyiv have long accused each other of failing to implement a peace deal over the region.

Ukraine's military rules out offensive against pro-Russia separatists