Defense Ministry: Russia continues amassing troops near Ukraine’s border

"The Kremlin continues taking hybrid measures to destabilize the domestic political situation in Ukraine. The Russian Federation regularly demonstrates military force and intentions to use it. The situation around Ukraine's borders remains difficult. The Russian Federation periodically resorts to the practice of redeploying and amassing military units in order to maintain tensions in the region and put pressure on neighboring states," Deputy Defense Minister of Ukraine Hanna Maliar said, the Ministry’s press service informs.

According to her, the gradual redeployment of Russian units, weapons and military equipment near the border with Ukraine is being recorded, as well as the realignment of Russian military personnel from the training areas. At the same time, after the exercises are completed, only personnel return to the permanent duty stations, while combat and other military equipment remains near the Ukrainian border.

According to Maliar, such actions pursue a tactical goal – to put pressure on the authorities of Ukraine and the leadership of other countries to impose a dialogue on inconvenient issues that are extremely important for Russia. The strategic goal of such goals is to restore full control over Ukraine, as well as to disrupt Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

The official reminded that the Russian Federation continues provocative actions against Ukraine. As of December 13, about 70% of the Azov Sea remains blocked.

At the same time, the deputy minister noted that the Armed Forces of Ukraine are ready for any scenario. The regular units of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are on duty around the clock in the air defense system of Ukraine. It involves more than 1,000 troops and hundreds of units of military equipment, covering bridges, hydroelectric power plants, nuclear power plants and other critical infrastructure.

In addition, taking into account the military-political situation around the state borders of Ukraine, measures have been taken in threatening areas to strengthen the air cover of these facilities.

Maliar noted that the military-political leadership of Ukraine is provided with intelligence data and makes decisions timely, while Ukraine’s intelligence officers constantly exchange information with the officers of partner countries.

The deputy minister underscored that the Ukrainian army has become much stronger since 2014, gained combat experience, hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians have participated in hostilities, senior positions in the Armed Forces are held by commanders who went through the war, and the Armed Forces are ready for any developments, ready to defend Ukraine.

As reported, on December 5, Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said that the total number of Russian troops near the Ukrainian border could rise to 175,000.

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