Russia’s Shifting of Border Force Stirs U.S. Worry

NYT ^ | March 21, 2014 | By Mark Landler

[Jim Robinson]

WASHINGTON — The White House cast doubt Friday on the Kremlin’s claims that thousands of troops massing on the border of southeastern Ukraine are merely involved in training exercises, deepening fears that Russian aggression will not end in Crimea.

“It’s not clear what that signals,” the national security adviser, Susan E. Rice, said to reporters in a briefing at the White House. But she added, “Obviously given their past practice and the gap between what they have said and what they have done, we are watching it with skepticism.”

At the Pentagon, senior officers and analysts said they were monitoring the Russian infantry, airborne, air defense and other reinforcements with growing alarm, uncertain of President Vladimir V. Putin’s ambitions.

Pentagon officials do not believe that a new Russian move into Ukraine is imminent. But one of their big worries is that American and NATO officials would have virtually no time to react if it did happen. All told, officials said, there are more than 20,000 troops near the border.

“The Russian forces are reinforcing and bulking up along the eastern Ukrainian border,” a Pentagon official said. “Our view is they’re preserving all their options, including going in, absolutely. If they choose to do that, we just wouldn’t have much warning.”

President Obama cited the troop movements on Thursday in announcing new sanctions...

[varyouga]

there was already a directive signed by putin to study a tunnel/bridge from crimea to russia. only 2.5 miles. it would be designed to carry both rail and road traffic

estimated cost is $1 billion so far

[Migraine]

we are watching it with skepticism

She is selling herself short; she should also say she's watching it with hand-wringing, just like Carter!

[Migraine]

estimated cost is $1 billion so far

Hmmm... sounds like a real bargain. They must not have unions and county commissioners to pay off.

[Mike Darancette]

There is now no area of Ukraine that is majority ethnic Russian. Putin is going to be party to ethnic cleansing?

[Sacajaweau]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2014/03/22/crimea-has-joined-the-ranks-of-the-worlds-gray-areas-here-are-the-others-on-that-list/

[Nowhere Man]

The Ukes better prepare hard for guerrilla warfare. They are not strong enough for a direct faceoff, and they should not expect substantial help from the West.

Let the Ruskies come in, then go after them all over the place. Vlad needs to pay a heavy price.

It's sad we can't do much, I know we cannot take on the Russians in their backyard, it could start WWIII but at least we can support the Ukraines morally and if we can slip them supplies somehow. I work in a department store and I see many customers from Eastern Europe, the Ukraine mostly and they are scared and upset. I told them I am in step with them where I think the Russians are wrong and if I can magically transport things, I'd send over 1 million M1 Garands and Carbines, 50,000 bazookas and 5000 Sherman tanks (and supplies) to fend off the Russians when the time comes. They said to me that they wish that I could.

It was a mistake of them to give up their nukes and rely on others for their protection. There could be a time when your friends, even if they support you in many others ways, if they cannot defend you, you're screwed. I think lastly, if I wanted to be a real thorn in Russia's side, I'd plant dynamite all over the casket at Chernobyl if safe enough or otherwise be able to blow it from a distance when the wind is right and let the fallout fly over Russia.

[dfwgator]

The other side in this conflict is the socialists in Brussels and their allies in Ukraine who want Ukraine (and Crimea) to have the same "human rights" as the rest of Europe like the "right" to commit suicide and have your organs harvested, and the "right" to have free housing and healthcare.

And the right of faggots to undermine all vestiges of Judeo-Christian culture.

[Cossak]

Greatest threat to Ukraine is its economy. They indebted 9 billions $$ to Russian banks, 1.8 bln $$ to Gasprom, 140 bln $$ to Western financial institutes. Without 40 bln financial help in current year they will have very serious problems. Protests in Kiev were caused by dissatisfaction with low living standards and corrupt oligarchic government. Now all social expenditures will be shortened drastically, taxes will be greater as main conditions to acquire IMF loans. Current government is no less oligarchic than previous while all governmental structures are in disorder. I wonder who is ready to invest is such basket case. Not big asset to wage war for. May be China only has enough money to save failed state with 45 mln populace.

[dfwgator]

y. They indebted 9 billions $$ to Russian banks, 1.8 bln $$ to Gasprom, 140 bln $$ to Western financial institutes.

So what happens if Russia offers to forgive the debt in exchange for Ukraine going into the Russian fold?

[Cossak]

Exercises must resemble possible reality. In Central Siberia Russia has no threats.

[Marguerite]

"but at least we can support the Ukraines morally"

"first of all, we have to support the Ukrainian nationalist neo-nazis and their leader Oleg T." - SS of State Nuland and John Calamity McCain

[CivilWarBrewing]

“Stirs U.S. worry”.. What kind of emasculated, pansy-arsed language is that? I guess we are second fiddle to #1 superpower Russia now. Thanks, ladies, and the boy raised by a single feminist mommy and a cross-dressing transgender nanny.

[Cossak]

It will drown Russian economy for Ukraine is too big, with all accumulated economic and social problems. 23+ years of anti-Russian propaganda, glorifying Galitsia SSmen in Ukraine created general negative attitude in Russians to Ukraine. May be industrial Russian speaking South East. For Russia it would be much better to have Ukraine independent and not hostile. But it is hardly possible. This state appeared artificially 100 years ago by whim of bigger players; it never was independent and is nonviable on its own.

[TADSLOS]

Man, Johnny sure can pick ‘em.

[Nowhere Man]

The point is the Russians invaded a sovereign country and are being bullies. I do not support neo-Nazis at all and I support a more responsible leadership than that.

[Marguerite]

“This state appeared artificially 100 years ago by whim of bigger players; it never was independent and is nonviable on its own.”

See my post http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/3136137/posts?page=94#94

[Gabrial]

Good post.

Ukraine is unable to pay Russia back in cash and is an economic basket case.

There is no money to field an effective defense.

For the next three years Putin will foreclose and repossess the parts of the Ukraine he wants. Obama will continue to show the flexibility he promised.

[Gabrial]

I think it means Obama will roll over painfully in bed with a hangover after a heavy night of drinking, smoking, snorting, and cavorting with Reggie - vaguely trying to remember there is something happening he should be concerned about.

[bill1952]

Right. Cause massive casualties to themselves since the Ukrainian people are divided themselves and have few weapons and no right to bear arms.