US / Russia – Biden wants to talk to Putin about the Ukraine crisis

Commenting on Russia’s demands, Biden said: “I do not accept red lines from anyone. Russia has deployed more than 94,000 troops on the Ukrainian border and is preparing for a large-scale military offensive by the end of January, Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksi Resnikov told intelligence agencies in Kiev on Friday.

According to a US media report, Russia plans to launch a multi-pronged offensive of up to 175,000 troops next year in the conflict with Ukraine. The Washington Post quoted a senior U.S. government official on Friday as saying that Moscow’s plans included a “comprehensive deployment of hundreds of battalions of about 175,000 tactical units with tanks, artillery and equipment.”

When asked by the AFP news agency, the Pentagon declined to comment on the report. However, the ministry said it was “deeply concerned about the signs that Russia may be planning to launch an offensive against Ukraine.” Pentagon spokesman Tony Semelroth said Washington supports “further expansion of the region and a diplomatic solution to the conflict in eastern Ukraine.”

According to the newspaper, the Russian armed forces are currently concentrated at four points. Accordingly, 50 tactical battle teams, tanks and artillery are engaged in the task of sending troops. The Washington Post cited an undisclosed document by the US Secret Service. Movements towards and out of the border to cover up the tactical approach and stir up uncertainty.

Fears have long been raised that Russia might attack its neighbor, as Russian forces are heavily concentrated on the border with Ukraine. Moscow denies such allegations. In response, the Kremlin accuses Ukraine of allowing the West to arm itself with military equipment and condemns NATO military maneuvers near Russian borders.