Tensions between Russia and Ukraine build as information is released that indicates Russia could be preparing the pretext they need for an invasion.
They’ve positioned a group of operatives to conduct a false-flag operation in Eastern Ukraine and begun moving an unknown number of additional troops towards the border, and into their ally country of Belarus.
The Biden administration believes that this possible invasion “may result in widespread human rights violations and war crimes should diplomacy fail to meet their objectives.”
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock told reporters her thoughts on the possibility of invasion after talks in Moscow with her Russian counterpart, Lavrov.
She’s noticed that “In recent weeks, more than 100,000 Russian troops with tanks and guns have gathered near Ukraine without an understandable reason, and it’s hard not to understand that as a threat.”
An anonymous official also spoke about the pretext of invasion that Russia seems to be planning “[they are] laying the groundwork to have the option of fabricating a pretext for invasion, including through sabotage activities and information operations, by accusing Ukraine of preparing an imminent attack against Russian forces in eastern Ukraine.”
Ukrainian officials have warned that Russia could launch an attack from almost any direction – and at any time -, including from its ally Belarus.
The U.S. and other Western officials have stressed their concern over the matter. White House press secretary Jen Psaki described the Russian forces’ move into Belarus as part of an “extremely dangerous situation.”
She said, “We’re now at a stage where Russia could at any point launch an attack in Ukraine.”
Ukraine was also hit by a possible Russian cyberattack, flashing a warning on government websites to “be afraid and expect the worst.”
The attack came just hours after talks wrapped up between Russia and Western allies, with no breakthrough insight.
NATO and Allies prepare Negotiations with Putin over Possible Ukraine Invasion
Russian officials have denied plans to attack Ukraine, but have made it clear that they could take unspecified military action unless their demands are met.
This includes assurance by NATO that they won’t admit Ukraine or other ex-soviet nations into the alliance.
A U.S. official said that the administration was concerned that Russia was preparing for an invasion, should their diplomacy talks fail.
Russian diplomat and foreign minister Sergey Lavrov responded to this conversation with a sound resolve; restating Moscow’s argument that they are free to deploy forces wherever they deem necessary on their territory.
“We can’t accept demands about our armed forces on our own territory,” Lavrov said, “We aren’t threatening anyone, but we are hearing threats to us,” he added. “We will decide how to react depending on what specific steps our partners will take.”
Western allies hope that continued political intervention and discussion will deescalate the risks of invasion, and that they can come up with some mutual agreements with Russia to bring more security to the whole of Europe.
