Kiev: Russia is probably planning to “move” into Ukrainian territory

In an interview with ABC News on Thursday, the minister said Russia had mobilized troops and military equipment along the border with Ukraine, which could indicate that the Russian government is “looking for a way forward” on Ukrainian territory.

“We don’t want to scare anyone, but we must be vigilant,” the head of Ukrainian diplomacy said.

“It came to our notice then. (…) When you live next to Russia in an armed conflict for seven years, you kind of learn to worry. Getting used to it, “D. Kuleba said.

According to the minister, if Russia decides to invade Ukraine, it can do so very quickly.

“With such infrastructure on our border, it will not take long for Russia to act aggressively if it decides to do so, and we aim to do everything possible to prevent Russia from making such a decision.” They said.

Speaking about his visit to the United States, Kuleba said that the US government has shown that it is not only ready to speak up but also to act.

“The United States is ready not only to speak, but also to act – to detain Russia and strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities,” the minister said.

Kuleba said there was some tension in Ukraine-US relations during the US presidency of Joe Biden’s predecessor, Donald Trump. After Biden became president, relations were restored, the minister said.

However, according to him, some disagreements remain, for example over the Nord Stream 2 pipeline.

“We have differences of opinion on how to avoid the negative consequences of the implementation of this project,” said the head of Ukrainian diplomacy.

“We certainly want the United States to remain vigilant and ready to act on existing policies. [dėl „Nord Stream 2“] will fail,” he said.

The 55-billion-cubic-metre annual pipeline, completed in September near the Nord Stream, which has been running for nearly a decade, should double the capacity of this Russian gas export corridor and allow Moscow to pass its route to Europe via Ukraine. The gas passage should be allowed to leave.

Critics of the project say Nord Stream 2 would increase Europe’s energy dependence on Russia and strengthen Moscow’s geopolitical influence.

The head of Ukrainian diplomacy visited Washington this week. During the visit, he met US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and President Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan.

Earlier, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said the United States is concerned about the concentration of Russian forces along the border with Ukraine.

“We urge Russia to make its intentions clear and abide by the Minsk Agreements,” he said, referring to the agreements signed to end fighting in Ukraine.

At the time, Bloomberg news agency wrote that “the United States and its allies in the European Union are sounding the alarm that Russia may consider a possible invasion of Ukraine as tensions between Moscow and the community mount over migrants and energy supplies.” “

“Washington is closely monitoring the mobilization of Russian forces along the border with Ukraine. US officials have informed EU allies of their fears about a possible military operation,” the agency said.

Sources said the assessment is believed to be based on information that the US has not yet shared with European governments, which needs to be done before any decision can be taken on a collective response.