RUSSIA has warned war is 'highly likely' with Ukraine following orders to troops to remain 'combat ready' after speculation of a Ukrainian invasion.
The Kremlin has said that Kiev's desire to retake Crimea is "direct threat", as the US vows to respond following growing reports of a Russian invasion.
Tensions between Ukraine and Russia have been escalating over recent weeks, with Moscow having massed troops within striking distance of its neighbour’s borders.
Vladimir Putin has also ordered US officials to leave Russia immediately amid fears he plans to order an invasion of Ukraine, before the end of January.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in parliament that Crimea - which Moscow seized in 2014 - was Ukrainian territory and Kiev's goal was to 'liberate' it, focusing on diplomatic solutions.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Moscow is worried about the possibility of a Ukrainian military move.
He said: "Speaking in parliament, Zelensky said that the return of Crimea should be the main goal and philosophy of Ukraine.
"We see this as a direct threat to Russia.
US intelligence reportedly supports the assessment that Russia is preparing for an invasion of Ukraine.
Russia is said to have deployed close to 100,000 troops, with tanks, artillery and ballistic missiles near the border, while Moscow insists it has no intention to invade.
They have also accused Ukraine and its Western allies of falsifying the claims to cover up their own aggressive intentions.
No comments:
Post a Comment