Russia is not yet ready to invade Ukrainian territory, but is in the final stages of preparing for a military operation, writes The New York Times, citing sources in the Ukrainian command.
In particular, the interlocutors of the publication noted the transfer to Crimea over the past two weeks of about 10,000 Russian military and bringing some of the units stationed on the peninsula into a state of high combat readiness. Also, sources in the Ukrainian command expressed concern that a unit of the National Guard was sent to Crimea, which, they believe, can be used to control the occupied territory.
Outside of Crimea, near the border with Ukraine, analysts interviewed by the publication indicated that there is preparation “like a textbook” for a military operation – the deployment of hospitals and communications systems, electronic jamming, the transfer of aircraft and additional military units.
According to experts, Russia can complete preparations for a military operation within a few weeks. So far, they note, Russia has a sufficient number of troops near the borders, but supply lines and other infrastructure have not been fully built.
At the same time, the interlocutors of the publication, both in the Ukrainian command and among experts, believe that it is still unclear exactly what goals Russia is pursuing by deploying troops near the border with Ukraine.
For months, Western politicians and the media have been reporting a Russian buildup of military forces near the border with Ukraine, which, in their opinion, may indicate the preparation of an invasion. In the event of an attack on Ukraine, Western countries are going to impose sanctions on Russia.
The Russian authorities say they are not going to attack Ukraine, and the deployment of military units near the border is explained by exercises.
(C)MEDUZA 2022
This is extracted from a much more detailed article in the NYT. Its behind a paywall. I was able to skim it before it got blocked to non-account holders. It’s a very disturbing read, because it concludes that a further invasion is still imminent.
Since the NYT is the paper of choice for a Dem govt, the intel may have come from the WH.
In such perilous circumstances, the allies really need to reconsider their position and study the Budapest Memorandum.
It could be considered a miracle, Scradge, if the memorandum signatories were to remember the document after eight years of aggression against Ukraine.
I cannot recommend it, under the dire circumstances, but Brian Whitmore’s latest podcast comes to a similar conclusion.
Brian and his experts don’t rule out a total invasion, because so much detailed preparation is under way. Of course the current posturing is a terror tactic, but that doesn’t mean that something sinister isn’t in the pipeline.
What the putinazis want to do is force the Ukrainian army to spread out to cover all the key pressure points.
At this point in time, Zel is facing a “High Noon” situation, like Gary Cooper as the Marshall who tried to raise a posse to defend his town, but everyone was too cowardly and he had to face a bunch of savages alone.
I sincerely hope that will not happen with Ukraine.
“The Russian authorities say they are not going to attack Ukraine, and the deployment of military units near the border is explained by exercises.”
Then these “exercises” can be considered the largest and longest lasting ones in history.
Of course, that’s all a bunch of bullshit.