About 80,000 Russian Troops Stay near Ukrainian Border

Russia continues to keep about 80,000 troops and a significant amount of weapons and military equipment stationed near various sections of the border with Ukraine.

“Russia does not give up attempts to return our state to its sphere of influence. During this period, we found ourselves, without exaggeration, in a unique situation, when we have to counteract the Russian armed aggression against our state in difficult security conditions and at the same time carry out the reforms of the Armed Forces,” Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Colonel-General Ruslan Khomchak said during a meeting of the NATO Military Committee.

Therefore, NATO countries, jointly with Ukraine, should develop a systematic and consolidated approach to oppose Russian challenges and threats against the background of the situation in Ukraine.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine noted that ships and boats, re-deployed from the Northern Fleet and the Caspian Flotilla to reinforce the Russian group, still remained in the Azov-Black Sea region. Such steps allow Russia to quickly build up the offensive capabilities of its armed forces to attack Ukraine.

Natalia Tolub