U.S. Says Russia Moved 7,000 New Troops Near Ukraine

Topline

Russia’s recent claim that its military forces have started pulling back from the Ukrainian border appears to be false, a senior Biden Administration official alleged Wednesday, as Russia has added up to 7,000 new troops to the region in recent days.

PEREVEVALNE, UKRAINE – MARCH 06: Russian paramilitaries stand guard outside of a Ukrainian military … [+] base in the town of Perevevalne near the Crimean city of Simferopol on March 6, 2014 in Perevevalne, Ukraine. As the standoff between the Russian military and Ukrainian forces continues in Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula, world leaders are pushing for a diplomatic solution to the escalating situation. Crimean citizens will vote in a referendum on 16 March on whether to become part of the Russian federation. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Getty Images

Key Facts

A senior administration official told reporters Russia has made claims about de-escalation “while privately mobilizing for war.”

The alleged 7,000 new soldiers—some of whom the official says were added “as recently as today”—will join the 150,000 Russian troops the U.S. believes are already posted around Ukraine in what President Joe Biden called a “threatening position.”

The Russian Defense Ministry said Tuesday it is sending some troops back to garrisons after completing drills in Crimea, and Russian President Vladimir Putin said earlier this week he’s open to negotiating with the United States and its NATO allies, but Biden and other U.S. officials were skeptical of these claims.

Russia remains steadfast in its claims that it will not invade Ukraine, despite the heavy military presence at its border with Ukraine.

Crucial Quote

“Russia keeps saying it wants to pursue a diplomatic solution,” the senior administration official said. “Their actions indicate otherwise. We hope they will change course before starting a war that will bring catastrophic death and destruction.”

Surprising Fact

The administration official reiterated the White House’s past warnings that Russia could use false pretexts—including claims about NATO activity or an incursion into Russian territory—as justification for an invasion. The official pointed to other false claims leveled by Russia in recent days, including claims that the U.S. and Ukraine are developing biological or chemical weapons, and that the West is funneling guerrillas to kill locals. However, some reporters have criticized the Biden Administration in recent weeks for accusing Russia of plotting false-flag pretexts without providing any evidence of such plots.

Key Background

Russia began amassing troops near Ukraine late last year, and U.S. officials say Russia could mount an invasion with little warning. The Biden Administration has publicly said it does not know whether Putin has decided to invade Ukraine yet, and it will continue to seek a diplomatic solution, though the United States has rejected Russia’s demand to promise not to admit Ukraine to the NATO alliance. Earlier Wednesday, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Russia was adding to its forces at the Ukrainian border, contrary to Moscow’s claims. He told reporters, “So far we have not seen any de-escalation on the ground. On the contrary, it appears that Russia continues the military buildup,” according to ABC News.

Contra

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has doubted the notion that Russia will follow through with an invasion. On Wednesday, the day Biden and others reportedly believed Russia could invade, Ukraine held a nationwide “Unity Day” in apparent defiance. “They are trying to frighten us by yet again naming a date for the start of military action,” Zelenskyy said in a video address to the nation, according to Reuters. “On that day, we will hang our national flags, wear yellow and blue banners, and show the whole world our unity.”

Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/masonbissada/2022/02/16/us-says-russia-moved-7000-new-troops-near-ukraine-despite-claims-of-de-escalation/