Russia Deploys Troops And Armor Near The Ukraine Border

Russia-backed separatists are seen at a frontline position near the contact line with Ukrainian forces in the village of Zholobok in the eastern Luhansk region on March 23. 

CBS: U.S. watching "escalation of armed confrontation" near Ukraine's border with Russia 

The U.S. military believes a buildup of Russian forces near the border with Ukraine, seen as "concerning" on Tuesday, is likely a training exercise. 

But the gathering of troops comes amid heightened tension in the region, and Ukraine's Commander-In-Chief Ruslan Khomchack told his country's parliament this week that Russian forces from different regions had been assembling near the border. 

Russia's president has acknowledged an "escalation of armed confrontation" in the region. Training exercises were always a possible explanation for the buildup, but a U.S. defense official told CBS News that the locations and types of units seen on the ground didn't line up with what the Russian Ministry of Defense had announced last month. 

Read more .... 

WNU Editor: The Kremlin has responded .... Russia’s internal troop movements should not concern other states, Kremlin says (TASS). More here .... Kremlin says military movements near Ukraine are defensive, pose no threat (Reuters). 

As to what is my take on this situation.  This sudden Russian deployment is probably an exercise, and a message to the U.S. and Ukraine. 

After-all.

In just one month we have U.S. arms shipments to Ukraine growing. Numerous NATO exercises in the Black Sea. Fighting intensifying in Eastern Ukraine. President Biden calling Russian President Putin a killer, vowing punishment against Russia, and in the same sentence saying that Crimea belongs to Ukraine.

Update: This is going to spark an even bigger Russian response .... EUCOM raises threat level for Ukraine as Russia builds up forces (Stars and Stipes). 

 More News On Russia Deploying Troops And Armor Near The Ukraine Border 

Russian Armor Floods Toward Border With Ukraine Amid Fears Of An "Imminent Crisis" -- Warzone/The Drive 

Russia confirms deployment of its troops near Ukrainian border -- Defence-Blog 

New Russia Threat Amid Rising Tensions With Ukraine -- RFE 

Ukraine says Russian military buildup threatens its security -- Reuters 

Russia's Ukraine actions escalate again, sparking US anger -- FOX News/AP 

US officials raise concern about rising Russian-Ukrainian tensions -- AP 

Top US military officer calls Russia, Ukraine over 'concerns' about troop buildup -- The Hill 

U.S. Concerned Over Reported Russian Troop Movements Amid Heightened Tensions In Eastern Ukraine -- RFE 

Top US national security officials call counterparts as Russia and Ukraine tensions rise -- CNN 

Russia-backed separatists are seen at a frontline position near the contact line with Ukrainian forces in the village of Zholobok in the eastern Luhansk region on March 23. -- CNBC

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