NATO fears Russia is trying to create a pretext with today’s reports of Ukrainian military attacks in Donbas to invade Ukraine. Alliance chief Jens Stoltenberg said after talks of the alliance’s defense ministers that Russia, despite its allegations of troop withdrawal, still had enough troops and equipment ready for an immediate attack at the border.
Moscow today accused Kiev of intensifying provocations at the front with pro-Russian separatists in Donbas, who are allegedly shelled by mortars by the Ukrainian army. The Ukrainian army, on the other hand, accused the separatists of violating the ceasefire and claims that it did not respond to their fire.
“We are worried that Russia is trying to create a pretext for an armed attack on Ukraine. Russia’s intentions are still not clear and legible, “said Stoltenberg.
Russian officials claim that the army has already begun to withdraw its forces from temporary exercises near Ukraine, but according to the West, there is no evidence of any movement of Russian troops.
Russia’s Defense Ministry, meanwhile, said the first Russian troops to take part in exercises in the west of the country had already arrived at their home crews. (guardian, cnnčtk)
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