The Ukrainian side does not rule out that the Russian leadership will decide on a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine in view of Moscow’s recent actions combined with hostile anti-Ukrainian rhetoric.
Ukrainian diplomats pointed out that Russia had deployed 92,000 troops along the border with Ukraine with no adequate explanation of such a move provided. At the same time, the situation in the conflict zone in eastern Ukraine is developing in line with a dangerous trend, as against the background of intensified ceasefire violations by Russian armed formations, Russia has also boosted arms and ammo supplies to the temporarily occupied areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
It was also pointed out that on November 15, the Russian occupation administrations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions kicked off exercises involving “reservists,” and on November 22, large-scale command and staff drills were launched in formations and units of the 1st and 2nd Army Corps, involving reservists, units of “law enforcement agencies,” and occupation administrations. The exercises are being supervised by the joint commission of the 8th army of the southern military district of the Russian armed forces.
Ukraine has strongly condemned such actions by the Russian side aimed at drafting Ukrainians in the temporarily occupied territories for military service in the occupation forces. Such actions are a gross violation of international humanitarian law and do not contribute to de-escalation in Donbas.
At the moment, Russia is a threat not only to Ukraine but also to many European countries. Do not forget that between Russia and Europe stood Ukrainian soldiers who sacrifice their lives for the survival of the civilized world.