After months of heightened tensions, both US and Russia are focusing on dialogue and diplomacy after the US responded to Russia's security demands. Moscow said it was clear that US wasn't ready to address main security concerns in their standoff over Ukraine.

US offers 'diplomatic path' to Russia-Ukraine tensions | Latest English News | WION News

China is watching with interest as Russia and the West face off over Ukraine. Beijing is engaged in its own territorial disputes and has offered political support for Moscow. But as Henry Ridgwell reports for Voice of America, China has also invested billions of dollars in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, which could be at risk in the event of any conflict.

WION-VOA CO-Production: Are Chinese investments in Ukraine be at risk?

Russia has said that it does not want a war after the United States warned Moscow may invade Ukraine next month.

Russia says it does not want a war with Ukraine

The United States has threatened to halt the opening of Nord stream 2 gas pipeline if Russia invades Ukraine. However, Germany has said that it would not rule out imposing sanctions on the project.

Nord stream 2 could be axed if Russia invades Ukraine, warns US

The fear of military action in Ukraine has changed the atmosphere even in its schools. Law enforcers organised the training after a series of hoax bomb alerts this year forced the evacuation of schools in the capital Kyiv.

Students in Kyiv attend emergency drills at school amid Russia tension

As the standoff between Ukraine, Russia and the West continues, US president Joe Biden spoke to Ukrainian counterpart and pledged support, president Biden reaffirmed the readiness of the United States along with its allies to respond decisively if Russia further invades Ukraine.

United States pledges 'Nothing about Ukraine, without Ukraine,'

Germany has sent 5,000 helmets to Ukraine amid the looming threat of a Russian invasion. Ukrainian officials have criticised the move as an absolute joke. What explains Germany's reluctance to help Ukraine? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Germany sends helmets, Ukraine says it's a joke

India has not issued an official statement on the Russia, Ukraine crisis. New Delhi has not sided with either party. Both, the West and Russia are strategically important to India. Which side will New Delhi lean? Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Ukraine, Russia crisis: Which side will India lean?

United States has rejected Russia's demands. Moscow is responding by stepping up its deployments along the Ukraine border. More troops and military equipment are being deployed. Palki Sharma brings you the latest.

Gravitas: Ukraine crisis: United States rejects Russia's demands

Tensions on the Russia-Ukraine border continue to simmer. The united west has now threatened to impose never seen before sanctions on Moscow if Russia were to carry out an invasion into Ukraine.

Russia-Ukraine tensions: What are the possible sanctions on Moscow?

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

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

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

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

Officials from Russia and Ukraine met in Paris to diffuse tension. The United States is now busy issuing fresh warnings over invasion threats.

US answers to Russia's security demands as tensions mount over Ukraine

The latest round of talks between France, Germany, Russia and Ukraine was held in Paris over the Ukraine crisis. The meeting was held as a four-way discussion between the so-called 'Normandy group'.

Normandy Talks: Parties agree to truce in East Ukraine

In the face of a possible Russian invasion, Germany has refused to provide weapons to Ukraine. It has instead offered to send 5,000 helmets.

Germany offers to send 5,000 helmets instead of weapons to Ukraine amid possible Russian invasion

US embassy in Kyiv issues stark warning as Russia begins multiple Military exercises near Ukraine

As tensions on the Russia-Ukraine border continues to simmer, the United West has threatened to impose never seen before sanctions on Moscow if Russia invades Ukraine.

Impact of possible sanctions on Moscow

The global energy market is under pressure amid rising political tensions between Russia and Ukraine. For the first time in seven years, oil prices touched ninety dollar dollars a barrel after surpassing ninety dollars for the first time since October 2014.

Oil prices touch $90 a barrel for the first time in 7 years amid Russia-Ukraine conflict

Despite the rising tensions with Russia, Kyiv residents remain peaceful as Cafes and shops continue with daily footfall.

Ukraine: Kyiv residents remain peaceful even as tensions with Russia soar

Amid ongoing controversies over lockdown parties, UK PM Boris Johnson bats for the country to focus on the Ukraine crisis instead.

PM Boris Johnson: UK should focus on Ukraine crisis

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called President Vladimir Putin and demanded that Russia unwind its recent military build-up in the area around eastern Ukraine, the German government said in a statement on Thursday.

"One subject of their conversation was, among others, the increased Russian military presence near eastern Ukraine," the statement said. "The chancellor called for a reduction of these troop reinforcements to de-escalate tensions." 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-border-crisis-world-war-will-begin-in-a-month-warns-military-analyst-375591">Russia-Ukraine border crisis: World War will begin in a month, warns military analyst</a>

Both Putin and Merkel voiced concern over the rising tensions in the southeast of Ukraine, the Kremlin said in a statement.

"Vladimir Putin drew attention to the provocative actions of Kiev, which has recently purposefully escalated the situation on the line of contact. The need for the Kiev authorities to strictly implement the previously reached agreements was stressed, first of all, to establish a direct dialogue with Donetsk and Luhansk and to legally formalize the special status of Donbass," it said. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-expresses-concern-over-russian-activity-near-ukraine-375377">Also read: EU expresses concern over Russian activity near Ukraine</a>

Merkel also raised the case of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, who is currently ill in a Russian penal colony and who is demanding access to independent medical advice.

The call came as clashes between pro-Russia separatists and Ukrainian forces have increased in recent weeks and a Russian military buildup on the border heightened fears of an escalation in the conflict.&nbsp;

Earlier Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy travelled to the eastern frontline. He has in recent days appealed to his country's Western allies for support.

The conflict broke out in 2014 after Moscow annexed the Crimean peninsula and has claimed more than 13,000 lives.

Kiev and the West have accused Russia of supporting the separatists with weapons and troops. Moscow has repeatedly denied those claims.

Peace talks mediated by France and Germany since 2015 have failed to end the fighting.&nbsp;

While the Kremlin has not denied its recent troop movements on Ukraine's border, it has insisted that Moscow is posing no threat.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called President Vladimir Putin and demanded that Russia unwind its recent military build-up in the area around eastern Ukraine, the German government said in a statement on Thursday.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called President Vladimir Putin and demanded that Russia unwind its recent military build-up in the area around eastern Ukraine, the German government said in a statement on Thursday. "One subject of their conversation was, among others, the increased Russian military presence near eastern Ukraine," the statement said. "The chancellor called for a reduction of these troop reinforcements to de-escalate tensions." Russia-Ukraine border crisis: World War will begin in a month, warns military analyst Both Putin and Merkel voiced concern over the rising tensions in the southeast of Ukraine, the Kremlin said in a statement. "Vladimir Putin drew attention to the provocative actions of Kiev, which has recently purposefully escalated the situation on the line of contact. The need for the Kiev authorities to strictly implement the previously reached agreements was stressed, first of all, to establish a direct dialogue with Donetsk and Luhansk and to legally formalize the special status of Donbass," it said. Also read: EU expresses concern over Russian activity near Ukraine Merkel also raised the case of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, who is currently ill in a Russian penal colony and who is demanding access to independent medical advice. The call came as clashes between pro-Russia separatists and Ukrainian forces have increased in recent weeks and a Russian military buildup on the border heightened fears of an escalation in the conflict. Earlier Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy travelled to the eastern frontline. He has in recent days appealed to his country's Western allies for support. The conflict broke out in 2014 after Moscow annexed the Crimean peninsula and has claimed more than 13,000 lives. Kiev and the West have accused Russia of supporting the separatists with weapons and troops. Moscow has repeatedly denied those claims. Peace talks mediated by France and Germany since 2015 have failed to end the fighting. While the Kremlin has not denied its recent troop movements on Ukraine's border, it has insisted that Moscow is posing no threat. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine border crisis: Merkel demands Putin reduce Russian troops around Ukraine

The crisis on the Russia-Ukraine border has Europe on high alert, with a defence analyst&nbsp;warning the situation could descend into a “world war” within weeks if tensions aren’t stemmed. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-expresses-concern-over-russian-activity-near-ukraine-375377">Also read: EU expresses concern over Russian activity near Ukraine</a> 
 
Pavel Felgenhauer, an independent Russian military analyst, has said that a European or even World War could be triggered in four weeks in Ukraine after Russia dispatched 4,000 soldiers to the disputed border with its neighbour.

"The threats are growing, and rapidly. Much is not discussed in the media, but we are seeing very bad signs. The crisis has the potential to escalate into a pan-European war, if not even a world one." he said. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-putin-approves-legislation-allowing-him-to-serve-two-more-terms-375544">Also read: Russian President Putin approves legislation allowing him to serve two more terms</a>

The analysis comes after President Vladimir Putin deployed up to 4,000 Russian soldiers along with tanks and other armoured vehicles to the disputed border with its neighbour.

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Day 3: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russia</a> Military build up continues near Ukraine border. 
 
Video of military vehicles, tanks today reportedly from city of Karsnodar: <a href="https://t.co/ItgkKyI1jo">pic.twitter.com/ItgkKyI1jo</a>
— Joyce Karam (@Joyce_Karam) <a href="https://twitter.com/Joyce_Karam/status/1377997465673203713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Last week, Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Ruslan Khomchak had said that Russia is building up armed forces near Ukraine’s borders in a threat to the country’s security, accusing Moscow of pursuing an “aggressive policy” towards Kyiv.

In remarks to parliament, Khomchak also accused pro-Moscow separatists of systematically violating a ceasefire in the conflict in eastern Ukraine agreed in July 2020.

Ukraine and Russia have traded blame for a spike in violence in the conflict, which Kyiv says has killed 14,000 people since 2014. 
 
However, The Kremlin said that Russian military movements near its shared border with Ukraine posed no threat to Ukraine or anyone else and that Moscow moved troops around its country as it saw fit.

(With inputs from agencies)

The crisis on the Russia-Ukraine border has Europe on high alert, with a defence analyst warning the situation could descend into a “world war” within weeks if tensions aren’t stemmed.

The crisis on the Russia-Ukraine border has Europe on high alert, with a defence analyst warning the situation could descend into a “world war” within weeks if tensions aren’t stemmed. Also read: EU expresses concern over Russian activity near Ukraine Pavel Felgenhauer, an independent Russian military analyst, has said that a European or even World War could be triggered in four weeks in Ukraine after Russia dispatched 4,000 soldiers to the disputed border with its neighbour. "The threats are growing, and rapidly. Much is not discussed in the media, but we are seeing very bad signs. The crisis has the potential to escalate into a pan-European war, if not even a world one." he said. Also read: Russian President Putin approves legislation allowing him to serve two more terms The analysis comes after President Vladimir Putin deployed up to 4,000 Russian soldiers along with tanks and other armoured vehicles to the disputed border with its neighbour. Day 3: #Russia Military build up continues near Ukraine border. Video of military vehicles, tanks today reportedly from city of Karsnodar: pic.twitter.com/ItgkKyI1jo — Joyce Karam (@Joyce_Karam) April 2, 2021 × Last week, Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Ruslan Khomchak had said that Russia is building up armed forces near Ukraine’s borders in a threat to the country’s security, accusing Moscow of pursuing an “aggressive policy” towards Kyiv. In remarks to parliament, Khomchak also accused pro-Moscow separatists of systematically violating a ceasefire in the conflict in eastern Ukraine agreed in July 2020. Ukraine and Russia have traded blame for a spike in violence in the conflict, which Kyiv says has killed 14,000 people since 2014. However, The Kremlin said that Russian military movements near its shared border with Ukraine posed no threat to Ukraine or anyone else and that Moscow moved troops around its country as it saw fit. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine border crisis: World War will begin in a month, warns military analyst

The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of building up troop presence on Ukraine's borders, while the US has warned Moscow against "intimidating" Ukraine.

Zelensky has described these as a regular interference by Russia. "Muscle-flexing in the form of military exercises and possible provocations along the border are traditional Russian games," he said in a statement.

He also accused the Vladimir Putin-led country of creating a "threatening atmosphere" while Ukraine is aiming to resume a ceasefire that was brokered last year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cannot-ape-putin-explains-why-he-chose-to-get-vaccinated-in-private-373949">'Cannot ape': Putin explains why he chose to get vaccinated in private</a>

Kremlin, however, has denied reports and has claimed Russia is 'not threatening' Ukraine.&nbsp;

"No doubt such a scenario would lead to a further increase in tensions close to Russia's borders. Of course, this would call for additional measures from the Russian side to ensure its security,"&nbsp;Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told media.

The Kremlin has also warned that Russia will take&nbsp;'measures' if Western troops are sent to Ukraine. Meanwhile, the US State Department has warned Russia against massing troops on the border.

The department said it is "absolutely concerned by recent escalations of Russian aggressive and provocative actions in eastern&nbsp;Ukraine."

"What we would object to are aggressive actions that have an&nbsp;intent of intimidating, of threatening, our partner&nbsp;Ukraine."

Experts believe the buildup on the border is Russia’s technique to put the newly-elected Joe Biden’s administration to test after the US president labelled Putin as a "killer”."

There has been a rise in violence between Ukraine’s government forces and Kremlin-backed separatists.

As of now, Zelensky said, 20 Ukrainian servicemen had been killed and 57 wounded since the start of the year.

The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of building up troop presence on Ukraine's borders, while the US has warned Moscow against "intimidating" Ukraine.

The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of building up troop presence on Ukraine's borders, while the US has warned Moscow against "intimidating" Ukraine. Zelensky has described these as a regular interference by Russia. "Muscle-flexing in the form of military exercises and possible provocations along the border are traditional Russian games," he said in a statement. He also accused the Vladimir Putin-led country of creating a "threatening atmosphere" while Ukraine is aiming to resume a ceasefire that was brokered last year. Also read | 'Cannot ape': Putin explains why he chose to get vaccinated in private Kremlin, however, has denied reports and has claimed Russia is 'not threatening' Ukraine. "No doubt such a scenario would lead to a further increase in tensions close to Russia's borders. Of course, this would call for additional measures from the Russian side to ensure its security," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told media. The Kremlin has also warned that Russia will take 'measures' if Western troops are sent to Ukraine. Meanwhile, the US State Department has warned Russia against massing troops on the border. The department said it is "absolutely concerned by recent escalations of Russian aggressive and provocative actions in eastern Ukraine." "What we would object to are aggressive actions that have an intent of intimidating, of threatening, our partner Ukraine." Experts believe the buildup on the border is Russia’s technique to put the newly-elected Joe Biden’s administration to test after the US president labelled Putin as a "killer”." There has been a rise in violence between Ukraine’s government forces and Kremlin-backed separatists. As of now, Zelensky said, 20 Ukrainian servicemen had been killed and 57 wounded since the start of the year.

Ukraine accuses Russia of massing troops on border; Moscow warns 'measures'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday was travelling to Ukraine's eastern frontline. His visit came after increased clashes with separatist forces and tension with Russia.

In recent weeks, fighting between Ukrainian army and separatists has intensified. This has raised fears of a major escalation in conflict over the majority Russian-speaking Donbas region.

On Thursday, Ukraine military said that another of its soldiers had been killed. 25 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed. In the whole of 2020, fifty Ukrainian soldiers were killed.

Zelensky, who has appealed to Ukraine's Western allies for support, was due to visit positions where a ceasefire "has been systematically violated in recent days" and Ukrainian soldiers killed or wounded, the presidency said in a statement.

"I want to be with our soldiers in the tough times in Donbas," Zelensky said. "Going to the locations of the escalation.... Ukraine needs peace and will do everything for this."

Fighting in the conflict, which erupted after Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, subsided last year as a new ceasefire agreement took hold.

But clashes, mainly involving artillery and mortar fire, have picked up again since the start of the year, with both sides blaming each other.

Last week, Ukraine also accused Russia of bringing thousands of military personnel on northern, eastern borders in addition to on Crimean peninsula.

The separatists are widely seen as having Russia's political and military backing, which Moscow denies.

(With AFP inputs)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday was travelling to Ukraine's eastern frontline. His visit came after increased clashes with separatist forces and tension with Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday was travelling to Ukraine's eastern frontline. His visit came after increased clashes with separatist forces and tension with Russia. In recent weeks, fighting between Ukrainian army and separatists has intensified. This has raised fears of a major escalation in conflict over the majority Russian-speaking Donbas region. On Thursday, Ukraine military said that another of its soldiers had been killed. 25 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed. In the whole of 2020, fifty Ukrainian soldiers were killed. Zelensky, who has appealed to Ukraine's Western allies for support, was due to visit positions where a ceasefire "has been systematically violated in recent days" and Ukrainian soldiers killed or wounded, the presidency said in a statement. "I want to be with our soldiers in the tough times in Donbas," Zelensky said. "Going to the locations of the escalation.... Ukraine needs peace and will do everything for this." Fighting in the conflict, which erupted after Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, subsided last year as a new ceasefire agreement took hold. But clashes, mainly involving artillery and mortar fire, have picked up again since the start of the year, with both sides blaming each other. Last week, Ukraine also accused Russia of bringing thousands of military personnel on northern, eastern borders in addition to on Crimean peninsula. The separatists are widely seen as having Russia's political and military backing, which Moscow denies. (With AFP inputs)

Ukraine president to visit frontline amid tensions with Russia

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

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

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

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

There is a "low to medium" risk that Russia will invade Ukraine over the next few weeks, the top U.S. general in Europe said on Thursday, in the first such military assessment amid mounting concern about Russian troop movements toward Ukraine's borders.

Air Force General Tod Wolters declined to explain the intelligence driving his assessment, which does not suggest that the U.S. military expects a Russian invasion at this point, but he is not ruling one out or playing down the risk.

But, in testimony before a House of Representatives committee he later suggested his view about the risks in the coming weeks and months was at least partly based on the disposition of Russian forces.

The Pentagon has declined to detail its assessment on the size and composition of those troops, referring reporters to Moscow. However, the White House disclosed last week that Russia had more troops on Ukraine's eastern border than at any time since 2014, when it annexed Crimea and backed separatist territory seizures.

Asked by a lawmaker on the Armed Services Committee to estimate the chances of an invasion in the next few weeks, Wolters said: "Low to medium."

Pressed by another lawmaker to explain whether that risk would change after that period, Wolters kept his cards close, saying: "The answer is, it depends."

"And I would have to take each and every second of the day from this point till tomorrow to give you a different answer," said Wolters, who is both head of the U.S. military's European Command and is NATO's supreme allied commander Europe.

If the current trajectory stayed the same, however, Wolters estimated the risk of an invasion could decrease.

"My sense is, with the trend that I see right now, that the likelihood of an occurrence will start to wane," he told Congress members.

Ukraine and Russia have traded blame over a spike in violence in the conflict in eastern Ukraine, where Ukrainian troops have battled Russian-backed separatist forces in a conflict that Kyiv says has killed 14,000 people since 2014.

Tensions over a buildup of Russian troops on Ukraine's eastern border have pushed up the cost of raising domestic debt and prompted the government to accelerate efforts to secure more International Monetary Fund loans, an adviser to Ukraine's president told Reuters on Thursday.

The United States sought to impose costs on Russia on Thursday by imposing a broad array of sanctions, including curbs to its sovereign debt market, to punish it for interfering in last year's U.S. presidential election, cyber-hacking, bullying Ukraine and other alleged "malign" actions.

Laura Cooper, deputy assistant secretary of defense for Russia, Ukraine and Eurasia, pointed to the sanctions and described the conflict in eastern Ukraine as "a hot war right now."

"Since January, we've already had 30 Ukrainian service members killed in the east," Cooper testified, speaking alongside Wolters.

Still, both Cooper and Walters did not request additional authorities to support Ukrainian forces, which started receiving anti-tank weapons and other weaponry in recent years from Washington.

"I think we have the right authorities and we have been able to provide the right lethal assistance, again, both on the land domain and the maritime domain at this point," Cooper said.

There is a "low to medium" risk that Russia will invade Ukraine over the next few weeks, the top U.S. general in Europe said on Thursday, in the first such military assessment amid mounting concern about Russian troop movements toward Ukraine's borders.

There is a "low to medium" risk that Russia will invade Ukraine over the next few weeks, the top U.S. general in Europe said on Thursday, in the first such military assessment amid mounting concern about Russian troop movements toward Ukraine's borders. Air Force General Tod Wolters declined to explain the intelligence driving his assessment, which does not suggest that the U.S. military expects a Russian invasion at this point, but he is not ruling one out or playing down the risk. But, in testimony before a House of Representatives committee he later suggested his view about the risks in the coming weeks and months was at least partly based on the disposition of Russian forces. The Pentagon has declined to detail its assessment on the size and composition of those troops, referring reporters to Moscow. However, the White House disclosed last week that Russia had more troops on Ukraine's eastern border than at any time since 2014, when it annexed Crimea and backed separatist territory seizures. Asked by a lawmaker on the Armed Services Committee to estimate the chances of an invasion in the next few weeks, Wolters said: "Low to medium." Pressed by another lawmaker to explain whether that risk would change after that period, Wolters kept his cards close, saying: "The answer is, it depends." "And I would have to take each and every second of the day from this point till tomorrow to give you a different answer," said Wolters, who is both head of the U.S. military's European Command and is NATO's supreme allied commander Europe. If the current trajectory stayed the same, however, Wolters estimated the risk of an invasion could decrease. "My sense is, with the trend that I see right now, that the likelihood of an occurrence will start to wane," he told Congress members. Ukraine and Russia have traded blame over a spike in violence in the conflict in eastern Ukraine, where Ukrainian troops have battled Russian-backed separatist forces in a conflict that Kyiv says has killed 14,000 people since 2014. Tensions over a buildup of Russian troops on Ukraine's eastern border have pushed up the cost of raising domestic debt and prompted the government to accelerate efforts to secure more International Monetary Fund loans, an adviser to Ukraine's president told Reuters on Thursday. The United States sought to impose costs on Russia on Thursday by imposing a broad array of sanctions, including curbs to its sovereign debt market, to punish it for interfering in last year's U.S. presidential election, cyber-hacking, bullying Ukraine and other alleged "malign" actions. Laura Cooper, deputy assistant secretary of defense for Russia, Ukraine and Eurasia, pointed to the sanctions and described the conflict in eastern Ukraine as "a hot war right now." "Since January, we've already had 30 Ukrainian service members killed in the east," Cooper testified, speaking alongside Wolters. Still, both Cooper and Walters did not request additional authorities to support Ukrainian forces, which started receiving anti-tank weapons and other weaponry in recent years from Washington. "I think we have the right authorities and we have been able to provide the right lethal assistance, again, both on the land domain and the maritime domain at this point," Cooper said.

Low to medium risk of Russian invasion of Ukraine in next few weeks: US general

Normandy format talks held in Paris to diffuse tensions over Ukraine

A massive troop buildup and two major nuclear powers on either side, a&nbsp;lot can go wrong.

So, Joe Biden dispatched his top cabinet members to Europe, America's defence and foreign secretaries.&nbsp;

They are talking to European leaders, holding meetings with the Ukrainians and increasing their military presence in Germany. Will this be enough to ensure a Russian troop withdrawal? &nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-amid-ukraine-tensions-us-to-deploy-500-more-soldiers-in-germany-377639/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Soldiers are at the border, Sukhois in the air and the navy in the Black Sea. Russia's buildup near Ukraine has alarmed the West. America says all this can't be just a training exercise and Europe is equally worried. They fear a serious escalation at the Ukrainian border. The Ukrainian Foreign Minister is meeting NATO officials. Biden's top diplomats have landed in Europe. Lloyd Austin and Antony Blinken are holding talks in Brussels, the US secretary of state met with his Ukrainian counterpart and reaffirmed America's support to Ukraine. &nbsp;

The US secretary of defence was in Berlin and met his German counterpart. Austin announced that America will increase its military presence in Germany by 500 soldiers. The US has also called off the withdrawal of 12,000 soldiers from Germany. It's a reversal of former president Donald Trump's plans. &nbsp;

Russia is watching the shift. It could have implications for a major energy project, the Nord Stream 2. It's a gas pipeline from Russia to Germany. The Biden administration isn't happy about it. Republicans in the US are demanding sanctions against German companies. What will President Biden do?&nbsp;

Look the other way, for the moment. Russia is raising the spectre of war against Ukraine. Now&nbsp;is not the time to sanction Germany. The United States and NATO are speaking in one voice. America sees Russia's moves as an opportunity to repair ties with Europe. It's an alliance that was battered under Trump. In his four years as president, Trump pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal, slapped tariffs on goods from the European Union and repeatedly questioned NATO members over their contributions to the alliance. &nbsp;

At the same time, Moscow cultivated bilateral ties with key European powers, the Ukrainian misadventure may change the European chessboard. &nbsp;

A massive troop buildup and two major nuclear powers on either side, a lot can go wrong. So, Joe Biden dispatched his top cabinet members to Europe, America's defence and foreign secretaries.

A massive troop buildup and two major nuclear powers on either side, a lot can go wrong. So, Joe Biden dispatched his top cabinet members to Europe, America's defence and foreign secretaries. They are talking to European leaders, holding meetings with the Ukrainians and increasing their military presence in Germany. Will this be enough to ensure a Russian troop withdrawal? Soldiers are at the border, Sukhois in the air and the navy in the Black Sea. Russia's buildup near Ukraine has alarmed the West. America says all this can't be just a training exercise and Europe is equally worried. They fear a serious escalation at the Ukrainian border. The Ukrainian Foreign Minister is meeting NATO officials. Biden's top diplomats have landed in Europe. Lloyd Austin and Antony Blinken are holding talks in Brussels, the US secretary of state met with his Ukrainian counterpart and reaffirmed America's support to Ukraine. The US secretary of defence was in Berlin and met his German counterpart. Austin announced that America will increase its military presence in Germany by 500 soldiers. The US has also called off the withdrawal of 12,000 soldiers from Germany. It's a reversal of former president Donald Trump's plans. Russia is watching the shift. It could have implications for a major energy project, the Nord Stream 2. It's a gas pipeline from Russia to Germany. The Biden administration isn't happy about it. Republicans in the US are demanding sanctions against German companies. What will President Biden do? Look the other way, for the moment. Russia is raising the spectre of war against Ukraine. Now is not the time to sanction Germany. The United States and NATO are speaking in one voice. America sees Russia's moves as an opportunity to repair ties with Europe. It's an alliance that was battered under Trump. In his four years as president, Trump pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal, slapped tariffs on goods from the European Union and repeatedly questioned NATO members over their contributions to the alliance. At the same time, Moscow cultivated bilateral ties with key European powers, the Ukrainian misadventure may change the European chessboard.

With Russia at Ukraine door, US and EU look for options 

The US&nbsp;administration on Monday declined to rule out sending American troops to Ukraine as new satellite images revealed Russian forces assembling at numerous critical strategic areas along the Ukrainian border in preparation for an invasion.

In a warning to Moscow on the eve of talks between presidents Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin, the US indicated it would impose tough new economic sanctions in reaction to a Russian invasion of Ukraine.

According to a senior US official, Biden will also make it clear to Putin that the US would not rule out eventual Ukrainian membership in Nato, as the Russian leader has asked. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-will-happen-if-russian-troops-invade-ukraine-431684">Also Read:&nbsp;What will happen if Russian troops invade Ukraine?</a>

The images show ground military equipment being deployed as well as personnel buildup in western Russia and Crimea.

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Maxar Tech satellite images show Russian troops massed near Ukraine border<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/russiaukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#russiaukraine</a> <a href="https://t.co/a8nxqSSt4y">pic.twitter.com/a8nxqSSt4y</a>
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Just hours after the photos were posted, White House press secretary Jen Psaki was asked if Americans should be prepared for US military on the ground if Russia decided to invade.

"I’m not going to get ahead of the President’s conversations with our transatlantic partners, which is going to happen later this afternoon," Psaki responded, "and we’ll provide you a list of who will be participating in that call as soon as the scheduling details are finalized.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-planning-to-invade-ukraine-with-175000-troops-report-434188">Also read | Russia planning to invade Ukraine with 175,000 troops: Report</a>

But I would say that our objective here is to convey diplomatically that this is the moment for Russia to pull back its military buildup at the border, "Psaki added.

The United States and European allies are prepared to take "substantial economic countermeasures ... that would impose significant and severe economic harm on the Russian economy" if Russia attacks, the official said.

In addition, Biden will make clear that if Putin "moved in, there would be an increasing request from eastern flank allies and a positive response from the United States for additional forces and capabilities and exercises," they said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US administration on Monday declined to rule out sending American troops to Ukraine as new satellite images revealed Russian forces assembling at numerous critical strategic areas along the Ukrainian border in preparation for an invasion.

The US administration on Monday declined to rule out sending American troops to Ukraine as new satellite images revealed Russian forces assembling at numerous critical strategic areas along the Ukrainian border in preparation for an invasion. In a warning to Moscow on the eve of talks between presidents Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin, the US indicated it would impose tough new economic sanctions in reaction to a Russian invasion of Ukraine. According to a senior US official, Biden will also make it clear to Putin that the US would not rule out eventual Ukrainian membership in Nato, as the Russian leader has asked. Also Read: What will happen if Russian troops invade Ukraine? The images show ground military equipment being deployed as well as personnel buildup in western Russia and Crimea. Maxar Tech satellite images show Russian troops massed near Ukraine border#russiaukraine pic.twitter.com/a8nxqSSt4y — ChicagoMike (@ChicagoMyk) December 7, 2021 × Just hours after the photos were posted, White House press secretary Jen Psaki was asked if Americans should be prepared for US military on the ground if Russia decided to invade. "I’m not going to get ahead of the President’s conversations with our transatlantic partners, which is going to happen later this afternoon," Psaki responded, "and we’ll provide you a list of who will be participating in that call as soon as the scheduling details are finalized. Also read | Russia planning to invade Ukraine with 175,000 troops: Report But I would say that our objective here is to convey diplomatically that this is the moment for Russia to pull back its military buildup at the border, "Psaki added. The United States and European allies are prepared to take "substantial economic countermeasures ... that would impose significant and severe economic harm on the Russian economy" if Russia attacks, the official said. In addition, Biden will make clear that if Putin "moved in, there would be an increasing request from eastern flank allies and a positive response from the United States for additional forces and capabilities and exercises," they said. (With inputs from agencies)

If Russia invades Ukraine, US to send more troops to Eastern Europe

Speaking about NATO and Ukraine's relationship, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has rejected Russia's call asking the West to withdraw its invitation to Ukraine to join the alliance.&nbsp;

At a joint news conference with Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Stoltenberg said, "NATO's relationship with Ukraine is going to be decided by the 30 NATO allies and Ukraine, no one else. We cannot accept that Russia is trying to re-establish a system where big powers like Russia have spheres of influence, where they can control or decide what other members can do."

Russia has been trying to create fears of a possible invasion as it&nbsp;has increased the number of troops near Ukraine's border.

Earlier, Russia's foreign ministry had said that NATO should do away with a 2008 declaration that opens door to Georgia and Ukraine. In a statement, it said, "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."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-russia-tensions-biden-talks-to-germanys-scholz-as-kyiv-leader-looks-for-talks-with-moscow-435971">Also read |&nbsp;Ukraine-Russia tensions: Biden talks to Germany's Scholz as Kyiv leader looks for talks with Moscow</a>

The tensions between Ukraine and Russia have been rising unabated. In the past few weeks, Russia has moved around 100,000 troops to Ukraine's border.&nbsp;

As a response, US President Joe Biden recently claimed that he has warned his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, that Moscow will be facing economic sanctions if Ukraine is attacked by his forces.

He claimed that he has made it very clear that Russia will be facing economic sanctions ‘like never before’ if Russian forces launch an attack on Ukraine.&nbsp;

"I made it very clear if in fact he invades Ukraine there will be severe consequences, severe consequences — economic consequences like none he's ever seen or ever have been seen," Biden told reporters at the White House.

However, Russia says that the troops are marching towards the border as a defensive measure.

&nbsp;"Russia has a peaceful foreign policy, but has the right to defend its security," Putin said at a news conference with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.&nbsp;

"We cannot but be concerned about the prospect of Ukraine's possible admission to NATO, because this will undoubtedly be followed by the deployment of appropriate military contingents, bases and weapons that threaten us," he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Speaking about NATO and Ukraine's relationship, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has rejected Russia's call asking the West to withdraw its invitation to Ukraine to join the alliance.

Speaking about NATO and Ukraine's relationship, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has rejected Russia's call asking the West to withdraw its invitation to Ukraine to join the alliance. At a joint news conference with Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Stoltenberg said, "NATO's relationship with Ukraine is going to be decided by the 30 NATO allies and Ukraine, no one else. We cannot accept that Russia is trying to re-establish a system where big powers like Russia have spheres of influence, where they can control or decide what other members can do." Russia has been trying to create fears of a possible invasion as it has increased the number of troops near Ukraine's border. Earlier, Russia's foreign ministry had said that NATO should do away with a 2008 declaration that opens door to Georgia and Ukraine. In a statement, it said, "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." Also read | Ukraine-Russia tensions: Biden talks to Germany's Scholz as Kyiv leader looks for talks with Moscow The tensions between Ukraine and Russia have been rising unabated. In the past few weeks, Russia has moved around 100,000 troops to Ukraine's border. As a response, US President Joe Biden recently claimed that he has warned his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, that Moscow will be facing economic sanctions if Ukraine is attacked by his forces. He claimed that he has made it very clear that Russia will be facing economic sanctions ‘like never before’ if Russian forces launch an attack on Ukraine. "I made it very clear if in fact he invades Ukraine there will be severe consequences, severe consequences — economic consequences like none he's ever seen or ever have been seen," Biden told reporters at the White House. However, Russia says that the troops are marching towards the border as a defensive measure. "Russia has a peaceful foreign policy, but has the right to defend its security," Putin said at a news conference with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. "We cannot but be concerned about the prospect of Ukraine's possible admission to NATO, because this will undoubtedly be followed by the deployment of appropriate military contingents, bases and weapons that threaten us," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

NATO chief, Jens Stoltenberg, turns down Russia's demand to deny Ukraine entry

On the 30th anniversary of the founding of Ukraine’s armed forces this week, the country’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, donned a helmet and flak jacket to tour the trenches and announced with great fanfare the delivery of new tanks, armoured vehicles and ships to front-line units engaged in fighting Russian forces and Kremlin-backed separatists.

While the weapons systems may help to maintain parity in the slow-moving war of attrition that has prevailed for years, neither they nor anything else the Ukrainian military can now muster would be sufficient to repel the full-on Russian assault that Ukrainian and Western officials say Moscow appears to be preparing. With nearly 100,000 troops now massed across Ukraine’s eastern, northern and southern borders and more on the way, even the Ukrainian officials responsible for their country’s defence acknowledge that without a significant influx of resources, their forces do not stand much of a chance.

“Unfortunately, Ukraine needs to be objective at this stage,” said Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine’s military intelligence service. “There are not sufficient military resources for repelling a full-scale attack by Russia if it begins without the support of Western forces.”

Budanov outlined his nightmare vision of a Russian invasion that would begin with airstrikes and rocket attacks aimed initially at ammunition depots and trench-bound troops. Very quickly, he said, the Ukrainian military would be incapacitated, its leadership unable to coordinate a defence and supply the front. After that, he said, responsibility would fall to front-line commanders to carry on the fight alone.

“They will hold up as long as there are bullets,” Budanov said. “They’ll be able to use what they have in their hands, but believe me without delivery of reserves, there’s not an army in the world that can hold out.”

While Russia could be prepared militarily to launch an invasion of Ukraine as early as January or February, Ukraine and Western intelligence services say there is no indication that Russia President Vladimir Putin has made up his mind whether to do so. In a video call with President Joe Biden on Tuesday, Putin dismissed concerns about the troop buildup on Ukraine’s border, shifting blame to the United States and NATO, which he accused of threatening Russia’s security by supporting Ukraine’s military with arms and training.

“The Russian troops are on their own territory,” an adviser to Putin, Yuri Ushakov, said in a briefing with reporters after the presidents had spoken. “They don’t threaten anyone.”

Still, the amassing of troops and heavy weaponry on the border has forced Ukrainian officials to face some hard truths in recent weeks. The U.S. intelligence community has assessed that Russia has devised plans for an offensive involving 175,000 troops.

Ukraine has only slightly more enlisted soldiers and officers in its entire military, according to the Ministry of Defense. It is outgunned on land, at sea and in the air, with only about 200 aircraft in its air force, including transport vehicles, fewer than the number of fighter planes that Russia has deployed already to the Ukrainian border.

Russia’s forces include battle-ready submarines and frigates in the Black Sea armed with cruise missiles, and land-based units equipped with Iskander-M ballistic missiles, while Ukraine lacks serious missile defence systems. The Russian missiles could wipe out a significant part of the Ukrainian military in less than an hour, said Robert Lee, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and PhD candidate at King’s College in London, who is a Russian military expert.

“If Russia really wants to unleash its conventional capabilities, they could inflict massive damage in a very short period of time,” Lee said. “They can devastate the Ukrainian military in the east really quickly, within the first 30-40 minutes.”

Ukraine’s military is not the pushover it once was. In 2014, elite Russia troops were able to seize the entire Crimean Peninsula in southern Ukraine without firing a shot. When Russian-backed separatists then took over part of eastern Ukraine’s Donbass region, Ukraine had to rely on volunteer brigades of people who took up arms, with little or no military training, to help beat back the insurgency.

But the Ukrainian military clawed its way back, fighting the separatists to a stalemate and putting a stop to the most serious hostilities. It did so with help from Western allies. The United States alone has provided $2.5 billion in military assistance that has included high-tech surveillance and communications equipment and drones. In November, the United States delivered about 88 tons of ammunition, part of a $60 million military aid package pledged by the Biden administration.

On Wednesday, Biden ruled out deploying U.S. forces to Ukraine to deter Russia. But there are more than 150 U.S. military advisers in Ukraine, a combination of U.S. Special Forces and National Guard, currently the Florida National Guard’s 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, according to two U.S. Defense Department officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive troop deployments. About a dozen other NATO countries also have military advisers in Ukraine now, the officials said.

Under the Trump administration, the Ukrainians, for the first time, were given anti-tank Javelin missiles. Ukrainian forces have refrained from firing Javelins on the battlefield, partly from a desire to avoid antagonizing the Kremlin.

The Biden administration has continued to supply them, delivering a new cache of missiles in October. John F. Kirby, a Pentagon spokesperson, said Wednesday that there were no conditions or restrictions placed on the Javelins, except that the Ukrainian forces use them “responsibly” and “in self-defence.”

In an interview with Radio Liberty this month, Gen. Oleksandr Pavlyuk, the commander of the Joint Operation Forces fighting the separatists, said the Javelins had already been deployed to military units in eastern Ukraine. A senior Ukrainian military official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military issues, confirmed that Javelin missiles had been deployed to front-line military units a month ago, but had not yet been fired in battle.

“The Javelins are there, and if our enemies employ tanks they will be used,” the official said.

The Biden administration has remained vague about how else it might come to Ukraine’s defence in case of invasion.

In his video call with Putin on Tuesday, Biden looked his counterpart in the eye and warned the United States would go beyond the economic punishments imposed on Russia after the 2014 seizure of Crimea should Putin decide to order military action, according to an account by Jake Sullivan, the president’s national security adviser. What those penalties might be were left unclear, though few expect the United States to commit significant military assistance beyond what has already been provided.

The lack of firm commitments from Ukraine’s Western backers are a source of consternation for Ukrainian officials.

“They need to decide, either we’re allies as they declare — and in that case allies help one another — or they need to say that this is not exactly the case,” said Budanov, the military intelligence chief. “If the civilized world wants to avoid catastrophe — and this will be a catastrophe for everyone — we need military technical support now, not tomorrow, not the day after tomorrow, not in year. Now.”

Those who understand that such a level of support is unlikely have begun to speak darkly of popular armed resistance against any Russian occupation. Pavlyuk noted that Ukraine had up to half a million people with military experience. If the West does not come to Ukraine’s aid, he said, “we’ll start a partisan war.”

“Eight years have passed and there are very many people with military experience who are prepared with weapons in their hands to fight,” he said.

One senior Ukrainian military official who spoke on condition of anonymity said that if all else failed, the military would simply open its weapons depots and allow the Ukrainian people to take whatever they need to defend themselves and their families.

On the 30th anniversary of the founding of Ukraine’s armed forces this week, the country’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, donned a helmet and flak jacket to tour the trenches and announced with great fanfare the delivery of new tanks, armoured vehicles and ships to front-line units engaged in fighting Russian forces and Kremlin-backed separatists.

On the 30th anniversary of the founding of Ukraine’s armed forces this week, the country’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, donned a helmet and flak jacket to tour the trenches and announced with great fanfare the delivery of new tanks, armoured vehicles and ships to front-line units engaged in fighting Russian forces and Kremlin-backed separatists. While the weapons systems may help to maintain parity in the slow-moving war of attrition that has prevailed for years, neither they nor anything else the Ukrainian military can now muster would be sufficient to repel the full-on Russian assault that Ukrainian and Western officials say Moscow appears to be preparing. With nearly 100,000 troops now massed across Ukraine’s eastern, northern and southern borders and more on the way, even the Ukrainian officials responsible for their country’s defence acknowledge that without a significant influx of resources, their forces do not stand much of a chance. “Unfortunately, Ukraine needs to be objective at this stage,” said Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine’s military intelligence service. “There are not sufficient military resources for repelling a full-scale attack by Russia if it begins without the support of Western forces.” Budanov outlined his nightmare vision of a Russian invasion that would begin with airstrikes and rocket attacks aimed initially at ammunition depots and trench-bound troops. Very quickly, he said, the Ukrainian military would be incapacitated, its leadership unable to coordinate a defence and supply the front. After that, he said, responsibility would fall to front-line commanders to carry on the fight alone. “They will hold up as long as there are bullets,” Budanov said. “They’ll be able to use what they have in their hands, but believe me without delivery of reserves, there’s not an army in the world that can hold out.” While Russia could be prepared militarily to launch an invasion of Ukraine as early as January or February, Ukraine and Western intelligence services say there is no indication that Russia President Vladimir Putin has made up his mind whether to do so. In a video call with President Joe Biden on Tuesday, Putin dismissed concerns about the troop buildup on Ukraine’s border, shifting blame to the United States and NATO, which he accused of threatening Russia’s security by supporting Ukraine’s military with arms and training. “The Russian troops are on their own territory,” an adviser to Putin, Yuri Ushakov, said in a briefing with reporters after the presidents had spoken. “They don’t threaten anyone.” Still, the amassing of troops and heavy weaponry on the border has forced Ukrainian officials to face some hard truths in recent weeks. The U.S. intelligence community has assessed that Russia has devised plans for an offensive involving 175,000 troops. Ukraine has only slightly more enlisted soldiers and officers in its entire military, according to the Ministry of Defense. It is outgunned on land, at sea and in the air, with only about 200 aircraft in its air force, including transport vehicles, fewer than the number of fighter planes that Russia has deployed already to the Ukrainian border. Russia’s forces include battle-ready submarines and frigates in the Black Sea armed with cruise missiles, and land-based units equipped with Iskander-M ballistic missiles, while Ukraine lacks serious missile defence systems. The Russian missiles could wipe out a significant part of the Ukrainian military in less than an hour, said Robert Lee, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and PhD candidate at King’s College in London, who is a Russian military expert. “If Russia really wants to unleash its conventional capabilities, they could inflict massive damage in a very short period of time,” Lee said. “They can devastate the Ukrainian military in the east really quickly, within the first 30-40 minutes.” Ukraine’s military is not the pushover it once was. In 2014, elite Russia troops were able to seize the entire Crimean Peninsula in southern Ukraine without firing a shot. When Russian-backed separatists then took over part of eastern Ukraine’s Donbass region, Ukraine had to rely on volunteer brigades of people who took up arms, with little or no military training, to help beat back the insurgency. But the Ukrainian military clawed its way back, fighting the separatists to a stalemate and putting a stop to the most serious hostilities. It did so with help from Western allies. The United States alone has provided $2.5 billion in military assistance that has included high-tech surveillance and communications equipment and drones. In November, the United States delivered about 88 tons of ammunition, part of a $60 million military aid package pledged by the Biden administration. On Wednesday, Biden ruled out deploying U.S. forces to Ukraine to deter Russia. But there are more than 150 U.S. military advisers in Ukraine, a combination of U.S. Special Forces and National Guard, currently the Florida National Guard’s 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, according to two U.S. Defense Department officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive troop deployments. About a dozen other NATO countries also have military advisers in Ukraine now, the officials said. Under the Trump administration, the Ukrainians, for the first time, were given anti-tank Javelin missiles. Ukrainian forces have refrained from firing Javelins on the battlefield, partly from a desire to avoid antagonizing the Kremlin. The Biden administration has continued to supply them, delivering a new cache of missiles in October. John F. Kirby, a Pentagon spokesperson, said Wednesday that there were no conditions or restrictions placed on the Javelins, except that the Ukrainian forces use them “responsibly” and “in self-defence.” In an interview with Radio Liberty this month, Gen. Oleksandr Pavlyuk, the commander of the Joint Operation Forces fighting the separatists, said the Javelins had already been deployed to military units in eastern Ukraine. A senior Ukrainian military official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military issues, confirmed that Javelin missiles had been deployed to front-line military units a month ago, but had not yet been fired in battle. “The Javelins are there, and if our enemies employ tanks they will be used,” the official said. The Biden administration has remained vague about how else it might come to Ukraine’s defence in case of invasion. In his video call with Putin on Tuesday, Biden looked his counterpart in the eye and warned the United States would go beyond the economic punishments imposed on Russia after the 2014 seizure of Crimea should Putin decide to order military action, according to an account by Jake Sullivan, the president’s national security adviser. What those penalties might be were left unclear, though few expect the United States to commit significant military assistance beyond what has already been provided. The lack of firm commitments from Ukraine’s Western backers are a source of consternation for Ukrainian officials. “They need to decide, either we’re allies as they declare — and in that case allies help one another — or they need to say that this is not exactly the case,” said Budanov, the military intelligence chief. “If the civilized world wants to avoid catastrophe — and this will be a catastrophe for everyone — we need military technical support now, not tomorrow, not the day after tomorrow, not in year. Now.” Those who understand that such a level of support is unlikely have begun to speak darkly of popular armed resistance against any Russian occupation. Pavlyuk noted that Ukraine had up to half a million people with military experience. If the West does not come to Ukraine’s aid, he said, “we’ll start a partisan war.” “Eight years have passed and there are very many people with military experience who are prepared with weapons in their hands to fight,” he said. One senior Ukrainian military official who spoke on condition of anonymity said that if all else failed, the military would simply open its weapons depots and allow the Ukrainian people to take whatever they need to defend themselves and their families.

Ukraine commanders say a Russian invasion would overwhelm them

US responds to Russia's security demands as tensions mount over Ukraine

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