Tensions between Ukraine and Russia have not been this high in years. The build-up of Russian troops near the borders of both countries has raised fears that Moscow could launch an invasion.
The attachment of Crimea to Russia has opened a new chapter in the crisis in Ukraine, where pro-Russians and pro-Europeans are still at odds. Faced with the firmness of Vladimir Putin, the conflict has become global. The European Union and the United States have since adopted a series of economic and diplomatic sanctions to isolate Russia.
Ukraine warned that Russia was trying to destabilize the country before any planned military invasion. Western powers have repeatedly warned Russia against further aggressive action against Ukraine.
The Kremlin denies any intention to launch an attack and says NATO support for Ukraine – including increased arms shipments and military training – poses a growing threat to Russia’s western flank.
The head of U.S. diplomacy called Wednesday, Jan. 19, on Vladimir Putin to choose the “peaceful path” in the Ukrainian crisis, two days before a Russian-American diplomatic face-off. Russia has deployed tens of thousands of troops to the Ukrainian border in recent weeks, raising fears of an invasion. While denying any plan to attack, the Kremlin is hammering home the point that de-escalation requires guarantees for its security, in particular a commitment never to expand Nato, especially in Ukraine.
For the Russians, it is a question of restoring a balance between Russia, the United States and NATO. Ukraine is only one of the first exercise grounds between the two superpowers.
The European Union and the United States have imposed a series of measures in response to Russia’s actions in Crimea and eastern Ukraine, including economic sanctions targeting specific individuals, entities and sectors of the Russian economy.
