Russian Troop Movements Near Ukraine Border
EU Tensions Rise Over Belarus Refugee Pushback
Putin and Merkel Hold Two Phone Calls
Countries Busy Seeking Diplomatic Solutions
On the 10th (local time), the Russian Ministry of Defense released the above photo to the media, showing its bombers patrolling Belarusian airspace. [Image source=AP Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] Amid rising tensions between the European Union (EU) and Russia over the Belarus refugee crisis, U.S. authorities have issued warnings about the possibility of a Russian invasion of Ukraine.
On the 11th (local time), Bloomberg News reported, "U.S. officials have conveyed concerns to their EU counterparts that Russia might launch a military operation against Ukraine."
The news agency added that this conclusion was drawn by synthesizing information not shared with the EU and information already made public. Separately, representatives from the British military intelligence firm Janes revealed that Russia has recently been secretly deploying troops near the Ukrainian border, with troop movements primarily occurring during nighttime hours.
The warning from U.S. intelligence authorities came amid worsening conflict between Russia and the EU.
Hundreds of Middle Eastern migrants wishing to travel to Europe are camping and sleeping outdoors in tents near the Belarusian border area close to Kuznica, Poland, on the 10th (local time). [Image source=Yonhap News]
Earlier, suspicions arose that Belarus was "pushing out" refugees coming from the Middle East toward European countries such as Poland’s border to pressure Europe into lifting sanctions.
In response to the EU’s announcement of a tough stance, Russia, an ally of Belarus, rapidly deployed advanced bombers into Belarusian airspace. Belarus has threatened retaliation, including cutting off gas supplies to Europe if Poland closes its borders or if additional EU sanctions are imposed.
Bloomberg reported that U.S. officials believe Russia essentially orchestrated the Belarus refugee crisis.
As the refugee crisis originating from Belarus has triggered a flashpoint conflict between Europe and Russia, and with the possibility of a Russian invasion of Ukraine being raised, regional military tensions have reached a peak.
Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned in April, "If our red lines are crossed, they (the U.S. and European allies) will regret it more than ever."
Amid these Russian threats, the Ukrainian president stated in a national address the day before, "Russia’s psychological pressure does not affect us," and "Our military is ready to counterattack anytime, anywhere."
Countries appear to be actively seeking diplomatic solutions. Last week, CIA Director Bill Burns met with Nikolai Patrushev, Secretary of Russia’s Security Council and head of Russian intelligence, to discuss the situation along the Russia-Ukraine border. It was reported that Russia did not deny the military buildup in the border area during the meeting.
Additionally, President Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel held two phone calls over two days to discuss Ukraine and Belarus issues. The Kremlin stated in a press release that the two leaders discussed the situation at the Belarus-EU border region, with President Putin expressing support for "resuming contacts between EU countries and Belarus to resolve the issue."
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, visiting France, is holding a bilateral meeting with President Emmanuel Macron at the ?lys?e Palace in Paris on the 10th (local time). [Photo by Yonhap News]
Furthermore, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and French President Emmanuel Macron met in Paris the day before to discuss the Ukraine issue. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, who met with U.S. President Joe Biden in Washington, said, "We discussed the Ukraine issue with President Biden," and "We reaffirmed our full support for Ukraine’s territorial sovereignty."
Meanwhile, Russia denied any provocative intent. Instead, Russia blamed the U.S. for escalating military tensions by conducting military exercises near Russian territorial waters in the Black Sea.
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