Russia deploys nearly 200,000 troops to attack Ukraine

Washington/Moscow – The Washington Post has reported claims of US intelligence agencies of Russia increasing its military presence on the Ukrainian border with the deployment of 175,000 troops with plans to invade Ukraine. Russia has denied these allegations. Russian foreign ministry said in a statement that the United States was trying to ‘incite’ the situation in Ukraine and wants to shift the blame on Russia. Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned that the United States and NATO moves would increase the risk of a military conflict in Europe.

The Washington Post has reported claims by US intelligence agencies of Russia’s plans to invade Ukraine by early 2022 and about the heavy military deployment done by Russia on the border. Last year, Russia conducted a military exercise on the Ukraine border. The newspaper said, citing intelligence officials, that the number of soldiers deployed on the Ukrainian border now is twice as many troops as we’re there for the exercises. The American daily also published some satellite photographs showing the increased Russian deployment.

The 100th Battalion Tactical Group of the Russian Army, with more than 175,000 troops, is deployed on the border of Russia and Ukraine. The deployment includes tanks, guns, armoured vehicles, and other defence equipment. In the next few days, battalion tactical groups will be sent to the Ukrainian border and asked to retreat, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty, US officials have claimed. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden has said that a new plan has been made to prevent Russian President Vladimir Putin from attacking Ukraine.

Russia has reacted to the reports and claims of US intelligence agencies. In a statement issued, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova blamed the United States for conducting a special operation to flare up the situation around Ukraine. While the US is preparing to blame Russia in case there is an outbreak. There are inciting and provoking activities on the Russian border and a series of allegations. Earlier, during a meeting in Stockholm, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov criticized the United States.

Lavrov warned ‘The United States and NATO have deployed military equipment near the Russian border. There are also indications that US medium-range missiles will soon be deployed in Europe. This indicates the growing potential for military conflict in Europe.’ Lavrov drew attention to the threat during a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. At the same time, the US Secretary of State has warned that Russia could face ‘serious consequences’ if it launches an attack on Ukraine.