Latest Russia-Ukraine War News: Tensions Mount as Both Sides Mobilize Troops; You don’t need me to tell you those tensions between Russia and Ukraine are at an all-time high, but what are they fighting over now? Is it because of that whole thing where Ukraine wants to join the E.U., and Russia doesn’t want them to? Or something else entirely? We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the current crisis in eastern Ukraine in this week’s edition of Friday Five, your weekly news wrap-up on the latest happenings worldwide.
Ukraine Accuses Russia Of ‘Invasion’ After Troop Build-Up
Russia has denied any plans to invade, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov telling Russian state media agency Itar-Tass that such statements aren’t worthy of serious comment.
However, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko accused Russia of having irrefutable evidence of an invasion. He told a press conference in Kyiv that Russian troops had taken up positions in towns across the border from eastern Ukraine.
We have irrefutable evidence and photos taken by our military experts, Mr. Poroshenko said.
NATO Calls for ‘De-Escalation’ Amid Fears of All-Out War
On Monday, European Union foreign ministers agreed to prepare a package of aid for Ukraine’s new government, part of an international drive to avert what they fear may be an imminent attack by Russia.
On Monday, NATO’s top military commander, General Philip Breedlove, said that Russia had a large force on Ukraine’s eastern border and could now achieve its objectives by staff in the region.
Russia has amassed forces along the Ukrainian border, which are competent military forces, Breedlove told reporters at the Pentagon. This is a vast and capable, and very ready force.
The United States called for de-escalation amid fears of all-out war between Kyiv and Moscow after President Vladimir Putin declared at the weekend that he had the right to invade Ukraine.
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Ukrainian President Vows to ‘Defend Every Inch Of His Country.
Today, Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko vowed to defend every inch of his country, following the Russian parliament’s decision to give Russian President Vladimir Putin authorization to use military force in Ukraine. The Kremlin is saying that Russia does not want war with Ukraine but that Russia reserves the right to use military force if it deems it necessary. It has been reported that Russia’s troop deployment on the border with Ukraine has increased noticeably in recent days.
There are now reports of tanks and other vehicles crossing over from Russia into eastern Ukraine. It is unclear whether these are Russian forces or pro-Russian separatists who have seized government buildings and other strategic locations in the east of Ukraine’s Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry urges both sides to step back from confrontation.
Russia Denies Involvement in Troop Build-Up, Says It Is ‘Monitoring Situation Closely.’
Russia denied on Tuesday that it was involved in a military build-up near the border with Ukraine but said it was monitoring the situation closely. We have been carefully monitoring the situation around Ukraine and are convinced that any troop movements by Russia’s armed forces are within the boundaries of our military facilities, the foreign ministry said in a statement.
Reuters reported Monday that Russia had massed 45,000 troops along its border with Ukraine. Moscow responded to this report by saying it had seen no unusual activity by Russian soldiers.
Tensions Between The Two Countries Have Been Mounting For Years
Fighting has been ongoing for years, and there is no end. The conflict began in 2013 when Russia annexed Crimea, a peninsula belonging to Ukraine. Russia also supports separatists in Eastern Ukraine who want to separate from the country and align themselves with Russia. This weekend, tensions between both sides have again mounted as both mobilized troops.
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Ukrainians Have Been Protesting Against Russian President Vladimir Putin For Months
Russia and Ukraine have been at odds for months, with Ukrainians protesting against Putin. Russia has annexed the Crimea region in Ukraine, and tensions are mounting. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko ordered troops to full combat readiness on Tuesday.
He told reporters that we must tighten our belts and be prepared for a long time. The threat of a full-scale invasion is there. Meanwhile, Russia has mobilized troops near its border with Ukraine. The latest news about the Russia-Ukraine war is that both sides have mobilized troops in anticipation of an escalating conflict.
Putin Has Accused Ukraine Of Being A ‘Failed State’ And Threatened To Intervene Militarily In The Past
In the aftermath of Russia’s annexation of Crimea, tensions between Russia and Ukraine have escalated. In recent days, fighting has spread to parts of eastern Ukraine. The two sides have accused each other of violating a truce agreed upon in September. On Saturday, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko canceled a visit to Turkey because he said Russian troops had entered his country.
On Sunday, NATO released satellite images that showed columns of Russian armed forces inside Ukrainian territory. Russia denies any incursions but says its border guards came under fire on Sunday from across the border at Donetsk and Lugansk regions in Ukraine. The European Union has urged both sides to ‘de-escalate the situation immediately.
The United States Has Called On Russia To ‘Cease Its Aggression’ And Respect Ukraine’s Sovereignty
In a speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives this morning, Speaker John Boehner said that Ukraine needs our support as Russia continues its aggression. He also called for Russia to cease aggression and respect Ukraine’s sovereignty.
The United States has been outspoken in condemning Russia’s actions and has led efforts to provide substantial economic sanctions against Russia. President Obama said this week that Russia’s violation of international law would come with costs, and the U.S. and European Union leaders are united in imposing those costs.
The European Union Has Urged Both Sides To ‘De-Escalate The Situation Immediately
The European Union has urged Russia and Ukraine to de-escalate the situation after reports that Russian troops had crossed the border into Ukraine. A spokesman said the European Union condemns any incursion by Russian military forces on Ukrainian soil. The E.U. also warned that any escalation in fighting would have consequences for relations with Moscow.
Russia’s defense ministry denies its troops are inside Ukraine. Still, Reuters reports that three columns of vehicles, including tanks, armored personnel carriers, and artillery, could be seen near the town of Unkiar-Tasevo, about 30 km (18 miles) from the border.
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