During an April 1 meeting with Defense Minister of Ukraine Andriy Taran and the leadership of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the defense attachés of the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom assured Ukraine of support in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity, openly aiming at Russia. “U.S., Canada’s, and U.K. Defense Attachés met with Minister of Defense [of Ukraine] Taran, Deputy Minister Petrenko, Deputy Minister Polishchuk, Joint Forces Commander Lieutenant General Naiev, and Colonel Budanov,” the U.S. Embassy posted on Twitter. “We stand with Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty and territorial integrity and are watching the situation in Ukraine closely.”
Deputy Head of the (Ukrainian) President’s Office Roman Mashovets also met with Canadian Ambassador to Ukraine Larisa Galadza “to discuss the deteriorating situation in the east of our country, ways to deter Russian aggression and the state and prospects of reforming Ukraine’s national security and defense sector,” according to a statement issued by President Zelensky’s office. He claimed that the Russian Zapad-21 exercise, scheduled for September, poses a threat to Euro-Atlantic security. “Such actions of the Russian Federation challenge the security of Ukraine and NATO, which must be balanced by joint efforts,” he said.
Mashovets called for joint Ukrainian-NATO activities to include military activities. “Such measures should cover land, naval and air components. In addition, it is advisable to increase the level of combat readiness of troops in NATO countries bordering Ukraine,” he said.
In response, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned that “undoubtedly, such a developing scenario would lead to a further increase in tensions near Russia’s borders. Of course, this will require additional measures from the Russian side to ensure its security.”
It seems, however, that all “evidence” in this case is based on claims coming from Ukraine itself, with the country’s President Volodymyr Zelensky saying “military exercises and possible provocations along the border are traditional Russian games.” Ukraine’s army commander Gen. Ruslan Khomchak said Russia has deployed 28 battalion tactical groups near Ukraine’s eastern border and in Crimea, which would amount to 20,000-25,000 troops. Russian officials have not confirmed that, nor given any precise figures. According to General Khomchak, Russia also has nearly 3,000 officers and military instructors in the rebel units in eastern Ukraine.
