Russia-Ukraine Border Crisis: Will Moscow Withdraw Troops? Latest Updates Understood In 10 Points
Russia-Ukraine Border Crisis Explained: Latest developments on the Russia-Ukraine crisis explained in 10 points
New Delhi: Russia has deployed troops at the Ukraine border for over a month. Geopolitical tensions have risen since the United States of America warned of "severe consequences" if Russia carries out any military activity in Ukraine.
US and other Northern Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) allies like France and Germany have been trying to cool down the tension at the Russia-Ukraine border.
In this article, we understand the latest development on the Russia-Ukraine border crisis in 10 simple points.
Latest developments on the Russia-Ukraine crisis explained in 10 points
1) Moscow Says Some Russian Troops Being Withdrawn
On Tuesday, Russian leader Vladimir Putin said that some troops were being sent back to the base after completing drills. He added that even though he is further open to negotiations on the issue with the West, Russia’s security demands remain an “unconditional priority,” according to CNN.
This comes as a strong signal from President Putin that he is trying to de-escalate the situation. A video showing troops moving back from Crimea was shared by the Russian Defence Ministry on Wednesday. As per the Indian Express, these troops have been moved from Russia’s Western and Southern Military districts; these districts are closest to Ukraine.
2) German Chancellor Olaf Scholz meets Putin
During his meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the Russian leader insisted that Moscow does not want a war around Ukraine and said that is ready for talks with the US and NATO on limits for missile deployment and military transparency, as reported by Euro News. In a joint news conference with Scholz, Putin said, “Do we want (a war) or not? Of course not. That's why we put forward our proposals for a negotiation process.”
3) The US Says that Moscow’s Claim of Withdrawal of Troops is False
West is sceptical of Moscow’s claims; according to a senior US official these claims were false and instead 7,000 extra troops have arrived in recent days. However, the Western officials have no concrete proof against the same. The official further said that Moscow can launch a false pretext to invade Ukraine.
Even Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is saying the same thing. He told BBC, "We don't see any troop withdrawal yet, we just heard about it."
4) US President Joe Biden Says “Prepared No Matter What Happens”
Urging Russia to step back from the brink of war, US President Joe Biden said on Tuesday that Washington is ready to respond “decisively” to a possible Russian attack on Ukraine. He said that the US is prepared for any situation, as reported by Money Control. Biden further said, “We are ready with diplomacy — to be engaged in diplomacy with Russia and our Allies and partners to improve stability and security in Europe as a whole. And we are ready to respond decisively to a Russian attack on Ukraine, which is still very much a possibility.”
He even said that despite Russia’s claims, US analysts have indicated that the Russian troops are very much present in a threatening position. Biden asserted, “And make no mistake: The United States will defend every inch of NATO territory with the full force of American power. An attack against one NATO country is an attack against all of us,” in a nationally televised speech.
5) Russia Responds to West’s Accusations
A Kremlin spokesperson said that Moscow never confirmed how many units were being withdrawn and how far. Currently, about 130,000 Russian troops are present around the north, east, and south of Ukraine. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson said, “We've always said the troops will return to their bases after the exercises are over. This is the case this time as well.”
6) Joe Biden Speaks to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz Over Phone
The two leaders have urged Moscow to take real steps to minimise the tensions. This comes amidst the West’s claims that no significant troops have been withdrawn by Moscow. A statement which was issued by the German chancellery following the phone call, read, “The risk of a further military aggression by Russia against Ukraine remains high, utmost caution is required.” It further added that any further military aggression led by Russia in Ukraine would invite “extraordinarily serious consequences.” The phone call took place after Scholz’s meeting with Biden.
7) Ministry of Civil Aviation Removes Curbs on India-Ukraine Flights
Indian Civil Aviation Ministry has removed the curbs on the number of flights that can be operational between India and Ukraine under the India-Ukraine bilateral air bubble arrangement to facilitate the travel of Indians from Ukraine.
Amid the growing tensions of war, India has advised its citizens to leave Ukraine. The restrictions on the number of flights and seats have been removed and any number of flights, including chartered flights, can be operated now.
8) US Hopes for India’s Support Over Ukraine
US has hoped that in case of a Russian invasion of Ukraine, India will stand by its side as it is committed to a rule-based international order. Ned Price, State Department Spokesperson, said on Wednesday that the Russia-Ukraine issue was discussed during the Quad ministerial meeting in Melbourne which included foreign ministers from Australia, Japan, US, and India. He said that during the meeting there was a strong consensus that a diplomatic and peaceful resolution is needed.
At the same time, the European Union is keeping India in the loop about its assessment of the situation in Ukraine and the possible consequences if Russia pulls the trigger, a report by CNBC TV18 revealed.
9) Ukrainian Rebels Accuse Government of Mortar Shelling
Kyiv government has been accused by the Russian-backed rebels that they shelled their territory in eastern Ukraine with mortars. This violates agreements aimed at ending the conflict, reports RIA news agency. The report was later denied by Ukraine according to Reuters.
10) US Dollar Spikes After Russia Reports Attack
The dollar bounced back on Thursday. This comes after a Russian news report of an attack in eastern Ukraine jangled market nerves and sent investors into safe havens. As traders saw risks of a wider war, the euro fell by 0.4%. The Australian dollar lost 0.6% before settling at 0.2% lower at $0.7185. The Yen rose about 0.1% to 115.29 per dollar. The Russian rouble fell by 0.7% and the US dollar index was up by 0.1% to 95.927, according to Reuters data.
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