Today, Ukraine demanded swift action from Russia to “deter” Russia’s invading forces and threatened that Moscow would launch a military attack ‘in the blink’.
Western nations raised alarm earlier in the month over reports of Russian military activities near Ukraine.
The United States also stated that it is concerned about the increased troop presence at the border.
Today, Ukranian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kunleba stated at a press conference that it was better to act immediately and not wait.
“What we’re seeing is extremely serious. Russia has sent large forces to regions near Ukraine’s border.
“If Russia makes a decision to conduct a military operations, it’ll happen literally in the blink of an eyes.”
The words of Mr Kuleba come just days after the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zilensky spoke at a Kiev press conference about Russia.
Today, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said at a press conference that it was better to act immediately than later. Mr Kuleba’s words come days after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (left) held a press conference in Kiev about the situation with Russia
At the conference on November 26, President Zelensky indicated that Ukraine was prepared to face Russia if Moscow moves troops across the border.
According to Mr Kuleba, Moscow has amassed 115,000 troops around Ukraine, on the Crimean peninsula, which was annexed by Russia in 2014- and in two Eastern regions occupied by pro-Russian separatists.
He also stated that tanks, artillery as well electronic warfare systems, air, and naval forces had been deployed.
However, he said that Ukraine has “incomparably strengthened” its army since 2014 when rebel fighters seized Donetsk and Lugansk in an ongoing conflict which claimed 13,000+ lives. He would continue to ‘fight back”.
Russia and its Western allies accuse Kiev of sending arms and troops to help the separatists. Moscow strongly denies these accusations. Pictured today: Russian President Vladimir Putin is at the Kremlin
Russia has been accused by Kiev and Western Allies of supporting the separatists with troops and weapons. Moscow refutes these claims.
Russia has sent 100,000 soldiers to Ukraine in spring after violence rose at the beginning. It raised concerns about an escalation.
Russia declared a later withdrawal but Ukraine, the United States and others stated that the move was only limited.
Recent warnings from the European Union, NATO, Ukraine, and NATO about Russian troop movements have been raised by the United States and Ukraine.
Moscow dismissed the claims, accusing Kiev of “provocations” and blaming Washington for increasing tensions within the region.
Pictured: A serviceman of the Ukrainian Armed Forces takes part in military drills at a training ground near the border with Russian-annexed Crimea in Kherson region, Ukraine (file image)