Russia Advances
Russia advances its deployments in several locations in Belarus. This is according to a US-based technology company’s latest satellite images. This move concerns Ukraine and NATO as fears of invasion fill the news.
The advances could be because of the joint military exercise of Belarus and Russia that is set for Thursday. However, the satellite image was taken hundreds of miles away from the exercise venue.
Russia denied the claims that they are planning to invade Ukraine. However, some experts say that they have the 70% of what was needed for a full invasion at the border. There is no additional intel if Russia will add more troops however, the threat remains imminent.
Normandy Front
France President Emmanuel Macron urged the EU to have their separate talks with Russia. Macron hopes to revitalize the Normandy Front. The talk between Russia, France, Germany, and Ukraine. This would work towards a viable solution to the ongoing conflict.
The French president said “And we see that looking at the dialogue that the US and Russia are currently undertaking. I think that it is good for there to be coordination between Europe and the US but it is vital that Europe has its own dialogue with Russia.”
Russia has accused the US government and media of hyping up the situation. Even the Ukrainian president pleaded not to cause panic. Russia also said that their concern is the expansion of NATO footprint along their border. While NATO and the US responded that any sovereign nation has the right to join the alliance.
Russia currently holds a large chunk of Europe’s natural gas supply. There is also an economic tie between the nations that are vital to both of their economies.
China also expressed its support of the Russian President. They both agree on NATO’s expansion is unacceptable. As of this moment, there are no intelligence reports on the exact reason for the troop buildup. Both sides are speculating at this point. The Russian advance could be a defense of their border against NATO expansion.