Russia appears to be continuing to move troops and equipment near the Ukrainian border. In eastern Ukraine, Russian-backed separatists and Ukraine have been arguing over the use of weapons this morning.
The exchange of words between the parties to the conflict in eastern Ukraine is fierce.
Russian-backed separatists say Ukrainian troops fired across the front line with heavy weapons for more than two hours this morning.
The news agency of the so-called People’s Republic of Donetsk says that the Ukrainian army would have fired a total of nine targets in the Donetsk and Luhansk region.
According to the news agency, Ukraine fired a total of 67 shots with 120mill cannons and 80mg grenade launchers, as well as 90 shots with rocket launchers.
Ukraine denies firing at all.
Russia is moving troops along the border
The United States still doubts Russia’s announcement of troop reductions in the border area.
Among other things BBC (switch to another service)said, citing a high-ranking U.S. military source, Russia has brought an additional 7,000 troops to the border. In the past, the United States and its allies have estimated that the number of Russian troops near the Ukrainian border is about 150,000, according to the news agency AP.
NATO defense ministers will continue the meeting today
Russia’s defense ministry said Tuesday that some Russian troops had retreated to the bases, and footage of the tankers’ transport was provided. Secretary General of NATO Jens Stoltenberg said on Wednesday in Brussels that Russia is stepping up its forces in Ukraine’s neighborhood. More is coming, he says. The meeting of NATO defense ministers continues today.
President of the United States Joe Biden said on Tuesday that it has not yet been possible to ensure that Russian troops have withdrawn from the vicinity of Ukraine’s borders.
At a news conference on Tuesday, Biden said Russia’s attack is still possible.
Biden and German Chancellor visited Moscow Olaf Scholz discussed the tense situation on the phone yesterday. According to them, “Russia must show a real desire for de-escalation.”
The situation in Ukraine will be discussed at the EU-Africa Summit today in Brussels.