1 year agoSecDef: I spoke today with Polish Defense Minister @mblaszczak about Russia's military buildup around Ukraine. Our continuing close security relationship with Poland is critical to deterrence along @NATO's Eastern Flank.
1 year agoF-16s aerial activity over Estonia
1 year agoHead of office of President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak at press-conference says audit of Minsk agreements, Normandy Four agreements were made. Confirmed unconditional ceasefire. Confirmed different interpretation of Minsk agreement between Russia and Ukraine
Turkish President Erdoğan on Russia-Ukraine tension: If they wish, we can bring the two leaders together in our country and pave the way for the re-establishment of an environment of peace
Putin's deputy Kozak: next meeting of "Normandy Four" in 2 weeks in Berlin. Main issue - different interpretation of Minsk agreements, but all parties unconditionally agreed on ceasefire
Normandy Four meeting at advisors level ended in Paris after 8.5 hours
Sen. @ChrisMurphyCT says he is "skeptical" that conflict with Russia over Ukraine can be solved with diplomacy
1 year agoThe ruse of military "exercises" can be used to launch an attack, Sec Gen Stoltenberg recalls from the buildup ahead of the annexation of Crimea. Russia has said it wants more transparency with exercises. NATO says the alliance is ready anytime
.@NATO's @jensstoltenberg calls Russian deployment of combat-ready troops, S400 missile defense system and aircraft to Belarus is "significant". Also notes Russia has history of using exercises "as a pretext, a disguise for aggressive military actions"
"Tensions are increasing" because of Russia, per @NATO's @jensstoltenberg. "We see also more troops not only in and around Ukraine but also in Belarus. Highly capable, combat ready troops" & advanced systems, like the S400
Are we closer to war? "Tensions are increasing. Russia continues its military buildup. And we see also more troops, not only in and around Ukraine, but also now in Belarus, where Russia is in the process of deploying thousands of combat troops." - Stoltenberg
Its "no secret we are far apart," says @jensstoltenberg of NATO and Russia. He says that's why it's even more important to look at proposals and identify areas to work together
"This is about respecting nations and their right to choose their own path" per @NATO's @jensstoltenberg, says of Ukraine, Georgia and potential membership "That is a principle Russia has subscribed to many times"
To deploy the NATO Response Force, Stoltenberg says, "we need a decision" by the North Atlantic Council. "That decision will be made if necessary and we will deploy if necessary"
1 year ago"While we are working for a good solution," says NATO Sec Gen Stoltenberg, "we are also prepared for the worst." "We have plans in place we could execute on very short notice." Some of those plans date from Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2014
"This is about respecting the right of self-determination" per @NATO's @jensstoltenberg, asked about Ukraine
NATO Secretary General: Russia must recognize the right of every country to define its military alliances
"We will take all necessary measures to protect and defend all allies" per @NATO SecGen @jensstoltenberg
.@NATO calls on Russia to withdraw forces from Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova where @SecGen @jensstoltenberg says they are deployed without consent
On European security, @jensstoltenberg says "we are prepared to listen to Russia's concerns & engage in a real conversation on how to uphold & strengthen the fundamental principlesthis including the right of each nation to choose its own security arrangements"
"We face a critical moment in Euro-Atlantic security," NATO Secretary General says, adding the alliance has conveyed its written responses to Russia "in parallel with the United States"
1 year agoMilitary convoy filmed in Rostov region
"It is not a formal negotiating document," @SecBlinken says of US response to Russia. He says @POTUS was intimately involved in drafting of it over recent days as were allies
On the prospect of sanctions against Putin, @SecBlinken says "As the president said, everything is on the table"
US has "absolute confidence in German solidarity" said @SecBlinken when asked about Berlin ruling out sending lethal weapons to Ukraine
Blinken: more deliveries [of weapons to Ukraine] expected in days to come
In response to a question from @APDiploWriter on the contents of the document sent to Russia, @SecBlinken replies: "It reiterates what we said publicly for many weeks and for many years" that we'll uphold @NATO principles and "the commitment that we're bound to"
Blinken says USG may not be able to help Americans leave in the event of a conflict
Blinken says that while State Dept has taken steps to shrink US diplomatic footprint in Ukraine, and has urged Americans to leave, embassy remains operational
"It remains up to Russia to decide how to respond. We're ready either way" - Secretary Blinken
On 8500 US forces getting ready, @SecBlinken says they don't have to be activated, but If they are "we will be ready." Also specifically said activated by NATO. * (as opposed to unilaterally by the US)
Blinken says US seeking steps to bolster Ukraine's economy, will discuss that with Congress later today
Blinken says US response included proposals for joint US-Russian steps related to transparency on troops and exercises, and steps on missiles in Europe and a potential follow-on to New START
Secretary of State Blinken says he'll be briefing members of Congress about the written responses to Russia. He says they don't intend to release the document publicly because they want the discussions to remain private and in good faith. He hopes Russia does the same
Blinken says US written reply to Russia "sets out a serious diplomatic path should Russia choose it." Says US did not compromise on principles regarding Ukrainian sovereignty and ability to join NATO. Proposed other arms control measures to de-escalate tensions
Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko says Germany's supply of 5,000 military helmets is "a joke" that left him "speechless"
.@SecBlinken says Ambassador Sullivan has delivered the US response to Moscow's demands to the Russians
Moscow received US written response to its security proposals - Russian Foreign Ministry
Counselor of the Department of State Derek Chollet: Called Hungarian State Secretary Péter Sztáray to discuss our diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the tension caused by Russia's military build-up and continued aggression against Ukraine. We also spoke about Hungary's contributions to @NATO and our military & security cooperation
Ambassador John Sullivan delivered 2 documents - from the US, one from NATO
.@PentagonPresSec notes Russia has moved "..logistics and sustainment and medical support and aviation support, I mean, it's the whole combined force, combined arms approach is how I would describe it." (US was watching closely for signs of this)
1 year agoU.S. RQ-4A Global Hawk drone leaving Ukraine after day-long mission
US hands over response to security proposals to Russia, - Bloomberg reports
The US Ambassador arrived at the Russian Foreign Ministry
Czechs to donate 4,000 artillery shells to Ukraine: defence ministry
A Western intelligence official says Russia has brought in many of the enablers it was lacking, including medical and logistics, to carry out a potential military operation against Ukraine
Britain is in talks to send thousands of extra troops to Eastern Europe *before* any potential Russian invasion of Ukraine, reports CNN. US and a handful of Nato allies (including UK) are reportedly considering sending a 1,000-strong battlegroup each
1 year agoRAF C17 Globemaster III RRR6704 descending for Kyiv from Lviv
US Dep Sec of State Sherman "we certainly see every indication that he [Putin] is going to use military force sometime [in Ukraine], perhaps between between now and middle of February"
New security alert moments ago from US Embassy in Ukraine, effectively urging Americans to leave while there's still time. "The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens in Ukraine to consider departing now using commercial or other privately available transportation options"
1 year agoEU Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi: In Kyiv today: with President @ZelenskyyUa I confirmed EU's continued commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty&territorial integrity + socio-economic resilience. We will mobilise up to €6.5 billion in investments to support economy, recovery, growth, starting with 5 flagship projects
Kosovo (not a @NATO member) has voluntarily offered @NATO allies Kosovan soldiers to station in Ukraine or eastern flank, and any other contribution necessary for any needs by US and allies in the current crisis
The Biden admin is set to send Russia a written response to concerns Moscow has publicly released & US proposals on a path forward as soon as today, but the response is unlikely to characterize the likelihood of Ukraine joining NATO in the short term
Italy's defence minister said the country stands by the NATO side in its support of Ukraine. Several Italian MPs and the committee of intelligence criticised the meeting of Italian enterprises with Putin, said foreign ministry was not notified about it
Boris Johnson has warned Putin that if Russia invades Ukraine, the UK will look to contribute to "any new Nato deployment to protect our allies in Europe"
The official website of Ukraine "Ukraine.ua" was targeted in cyberattack last night - Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Germany to ship 5000 military helmets to Ukraine amid tensions with Russia, German Defence Minister Lambrecht says
1 year ago.@usairforce F-15s have landed at Amari Air Base, Estonia and Danish F-16s will arrive at Siauliai Air Base, Lithuania tomorrow to bolster the forces already deployed under the long established @NATO Air Policing mission
1 year agoMilitary convoy filmed near Babruysk
The meeting of political advisers of the "Normandy Four" began in Paris, according to the Russian embassy
Russian Black Sea fleet launched exercise with more than 20 vessels
1 year agoRAF C17 Globemaster III RRR6704 descending for Lviv Ukraine
Ukraine's Yermak says four-way Paris talks strong signal of readiness for a peaceful settlement
1 year agoNew demonstration of entrepreneurs near Verkhovna Rada
The written answer of the U.S. to Russia does not cause objections in Ukraine - Ukrainian FM Kuleba
Lavrov: Russia is not ready to hold talks with the European Union on Ukraine
1 year agoPolice: information about the death of one of protesters at yesterday's rally near Rada is not true, after first medical aid he left the area on his own
Russian Foreign Ministry: the evolution of the military situation in Europe and the world has reached a dangerous point
1 year agoVideo of T-72B3 tanks and BMP-3 from the Southern Military District's 150th Motorized Rifle Division moving to the Kadamovsky and Kuzminsky training areas as part of the district combat readiness check
Foreign sec @trussliz says "we've ruled nothing out" re sanctions against Russia in event of incursion in Ukraine
Joint Forces Operation: 5 ceasefire violations yesterday, 2 Ukrainian servicemen wounded
1 year agoFourth likely weapons shipment for Ukraine heading from Dover, currently above U.K., likely inbound for Kyiv (Boryspil)
Head of Russian Federation council accused Ukraine in preparations of military operation to restore control over occupied parts of Donbas. Ukraine repeatedly in last days refused such claims, reiterating only peaceful solution exists
1 year agoReconnaissance missions over Black Sea: US Army Cl600 ARTEMIS BRIO68; USAF RC-135V Rivet Joint HOMER31, over Ukraine: USAF RQ4 Global Hawk FORTE12
1 year agoVideo of readiness check of Iskander units in Marshala Zhukova town and Boguchar
US warns Belarus of 'decisive' response if assists Russian invasion of Ukraine
.@StateDeptSpox Says written responses have not yet been transmitted to Russia but noted that Ukraine was consulted and given a preview of what will be in the report. "There will be no surprises," he said
1 year agoProductive meeting of Dutch minister of Foreign Affairs @WBHoekstra and @jensstoltenberg, exchanging views on Russia's unprovoked military buildup in & around Ukraine, importance of NATO-EU cooperation and the upcoming NATO summit in Madrid
1 year agoChief of National Security Bureau of Poland: We are definitely not observing any de-escalation. As a result of all these talks, contacts on three levels - Russia-US, Russia-NATO, Russia in OSCE - we are not observing any signals from Russia that there is a de-escalation
1 year ago.@USEmbassyKyiv: ~300 Javelins. 79 tons of security assistance for Ukraine's armed forces. Tonight, the third shipment of $200 million in assistance authorized by President Biden arrived at Boryspil Airport in Kyiv
The Foreign Ministry of Ukraine invited the Croatian ambassador because of President Milanovic's statements about Ukraine
Biden tells @kaitlancollins he could see himself personally sanctioning Putin should situation with Ukraine deteriorate
1 year ago.@SecDef Austin and General Milley spotted leaving the White House at 12:30pm after about 2 and a half hours inside. @SecBlinken was seen arriving just after 12pm
Kirby characterizes the Russian troop buildup as "consistent — not dramatic" increases in troop presence along the Ukrainian border and in Belarus over the past weeks. No specific action named as the catapult for the decision to place U.S. troops on high alert
"We're watching this very closely. We have seen a consistent accumulation of combat power" per @PentagonPresSec on Russia firepower arrayed along border with Ukraine "Multiple domain capability. It's the whole combined force"
"Just to be clear - there is no intention or interest or desire by the president to send troops to Ukraine," @PressSec tells @WhiteHouse reporters. "NATO is a forum to support our eastern flank partners and countries, and that's what the focus has been on
US assessment is that a Russian invasion of Ukraine "remains imminent," WH Press Sec Psaki says
Secretary Blinken:I had a productive conversation with UK Foreign Secretary @trussliz on the importance of a coordinated response to Russian aggression on its border with Ukraine and on countering Beijing's economic coercion
Macron warns Russia will pay 'very high price' if Ukraine will be attacked
Macron says France, Germany 'united' on need for Ukraine deescalation
The Pentagon: The forces that were put on alert still haven't left America
German Chancellor: Russia's threats to Ukraine will cost it dearly
1 year agoImages: .@usairforce airmen and civilians from the 436th Aerial Port Squadron prepare cargo in support of Ukraine at Dover Air Force Base, Del
CzechRepublic MFA @JanLipavsky will visit Ukraine on February 7,8. With Slovakia and Austria MFAs will meet their Ukrainian counterpart. "We want to show our full support to our Ukrainian friends," said Lipavsky
Elements of @82ndABNDiv and @101stAASLTDIV are among the U.S. troops on high alert for a possible deployment in response to the crisis in Ukraine, according to two U.S. defense officials. Pentagon could disclose at least a partial list as soon as this afternoon, they add
NATO chief @jensstoltenberg draws a line: "NATO will not deploy NATO combat troops to Ukraine," he tells @amanpour
.@jensstoltenberg tells @amanpour that NATO will send written responses to Russia later this week in coordination with the US. "We are finalizing at NATO the proposals, the written document we will send to them later this week. We will do that in parallel with [the] United States"
House Dems want to expedite a floor vote on a massive Ukraine defense bill that would dramatically increase US security assistance and lay groundwork for major sanctions on Russia - hastening a much more aggressive posture with o much room for debate
1 year agoAn aircraft with weapons from the United States is being unloaded at Boryspil airport
Bipartisan congressional delegation traveling to Brussels and Kyiv today: Reps. Gregory Meeks, David Cicilline, Ami Bera, Colin Allred, Chrissy Houlahan, Tom Malinowski, Sara Jacobs, Mark Green, August Pfluger, Mikie Sherill, and Victoria Spartz
