A Russian invasion of Ukraine could trigger the biggest conflict in Europe since the Second World War, the head of the armed forces warned yesterday.
This assessment was based upon the most recent intelligence reports on Russian troop movements at the Ukrainian border.
The number of President Putin’s forces massing in striking distance of Russia’s pro-Western neighbour appears to be growing by the day.
At least 90,000. Soldiers are already in position, with hundreds of tanks and heavy artillery weaponry. Reports indicate that this number may rise to 175,000 soldiers by next year.
Such a formidable force would be required to launch a full-scale of invasion of Ukraine – although how much of the country President Putin may seek to occupy is disputed.
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, who took up the role of Chief of the Defence Staff last week, said of the build-up of Russian troops: ‘It is deeply worrying. The significance of the worst scenarios in terms of a full invasion of Ukraine would be on a scale not seen in Europe since World War Two.’
UK defence sources believe President Putin’s likely objective is to invade and occupy eastern Ukraine in 2022 and then seek a diplomatic solution, including the creation of a pro-Russian state there.
In a virtual summit lasting two hours, Mr Putin faced US President Joe Biden Tuesday. He previously threatened to invade Ukraine in response to Western military support.
Putin sought to have assurances that Ukraine (a former Soviet republic) would not be allowed into the defense alliance. However, this was in vain.
He has described such a scenario as a ‘red line’.
The latest threat of war comes eight years after Russia’s annexation of Crimea and temporary occupation of eastern Ukraine.
In fighting between Russian-backed separatists in Ukraine and Ukrainian forces, more than 15,000 soldiers and civilians were killed. Early November saw the UK sign a treaty that allows Ukraine to obtain loans to purchase heavy weaponry and naval vessels from Britain.
Two minehunter ships and eight warships with heavy armed guns are included in the deal. The agreement also provides enhanced technical support.
Another view of the Russian military camp in Yelna. US intelligence has claimed that Putin is ready to invade Ukraine within weeks.
Russia has deployed thousands of soldiers and hardware along the Ukrainian border. However, it is using disinformation and cyber warfare against Ukraine in order to change opinions and influence peoples’ perceptions.
The summit saw the US President Biden confirm that he won’t be sending troops into Russia to prevent a Russian advance.
He said yesterday: ‘That is not on the table. It is unlikely that the United States will unilaterally resort to force against Russia.
‘I made it very clear if he invades Ukraine there will be severe consequences, economic consequences like none he’s ever seen or ever have been seen.’
The camp, which contains five Russian battalions, was photographed near Yelna.
These measures could include the scrapping of Nord Stream 2’s gas pipeline connecting Russia and Europe.
Ukraine isn’t part of NATO and does not enjoy the collective defense benefits enjoyed by its members.
In light of Moscow’s increasing aggression, the alliance might increase its support for Russia, which could include more military training or equipment.
Chiefs of staff from Nato’s 30 member states met in an extraordinary session earlier this week to discuss the Ukraine crisis. Further talks between Russia and key Nato members are being planned in a bid to ‘bring down the temperature’.