On the Ukrainian border: criticism of Russian military maneuvers

Last week, the US asked Russia to clarify about the military’s “unusual” activities in the border area with Ukraine. Now he has criticized military activities with France.

The US and France have jointly criticized Russia for military activities along the Ukrainian border. A US spokesman said the foreign ministers of the two countries, Antony Blinken and Jean-Yves Le Drian, had discussed reports of “concerns of Russian military activity in and near Ukraine”.

In doing so, they reaffirmed their “unwavering commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine”. On Thursday, the US asked Moscow for an explanation of the military’s “unusual” activities in the border area with Ukraine.

Blinken warns of invasion of Ukraine

Foreign Minister Blinken warned Russia against invading Ukraine – it would be a “serious mistake”. Ukraine’s military has been fighting pro-Russian separatists in the country’s east since the Russian annexation of Crimea. The West accuses Russia of supporting separatists, which Moscow’s government denies.

In March, Russia gathered thousands of troops, heavy military equipment, naval ships and air force aircraft near the Ukrainian border and in the region of the Crimean peninsula in heavy deployment of troops. The military’s actions fueled fears that Ukraine might be subjected to a Russian invasion. After weeks, Moscow finally declared the alleged maneuver finished and withdrew its troops.

Putin: “No reason to escalate”

According to his own statement, Russian President Vladimir Putin is not interested in the worsening situation in the Black Sea region. So he rejected an offer from his defense ministry to conduct military exercises in response to NATO activities, Putin said in an interview broadcast with broadcaster Rossiya-1 on Sunday.

“I should say that our Defense Department had suggested to conduct our exercises in these waters. But I think it will be in vain and there is no need to escalate tensions there.” Russia will limit itself to escorting military aircraft and NATO ships. Putin also said that the US and NATO are conducting unplanned exercises in the Black Sea. “It’s a serious challenge for us.”