EU estimates 150,000 Russian troops near Ukraine’s borders

https://apnews.com ^ | 4/19/2021 | By RAF CASERT

[RomanSoldier19]

BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union is estimating that 150,000 Russian troops have already amassed for the biggest military buildup ever near Ukraine’s borders and that it will only take “a spark” to set off a confrontation.

At the same time, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said Monday that the condition of imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was “critical” and that the 27-nation group would hold the Kremlin accountable for his health and safety.

Despite the worrisome developments, Borrell said after a virtual meeting of the EU foreign ministers that, “for the time being, there is no move in the field of more sanctions” to be slapped on Russia.

He also said there wasn’t a request for a synchronized EU diplomatic move of expulsions in the standoff between EU member state the Czech Republic and Russia following Prague’s accusation that Moscow was involved in a 2014 ammunition depot explosion.

More dangerous at this time, Borrell said, was the massing of Russian troops, including military field hospitals, and “all kinds of warfare.”

“It is the highest military deployment of the Russian army on the Ukrainian borders ever. It’s clear that it’s a matter of concern when you deploy a lot of troops,” Borrell said. “Well, a spark can jump here or there.”

Borrell declined to say where he got the 150,000 Russian troop figure from. But it is bigger than the 110,000 estimate provided by Ukrainian Defense Minister Andriy Taran on Wednesday.

[Jim Noble]

“ It is always in America’s interest to stand up and arm countries seeking freedom and sovereignty.”

I strongly disagree.

[dfwgator]

Vlasov was also willing to fight for Hitler as well.

I always think of the movie “Idi i Smotri” (Come and See) where the collaborationist Russians suddenly turn on the Nazis and beg the Partisans to spare them.

[dfwgator]

And right now Poland is absorbing a lot of Ukrainians.