The United States Intelligence community once again claims the chances of Russia invading eastern Ukraine are high because President Vladimir Putin moved more troops to the border.
“The thinking in the U.S. government is that the likelihood of a major Russian incursion into Ukraine has increased,” a senior U.S. official told Fox News.
Congressional lawmakers and other US officials believe Putin is building up the troops for military reasons. The number of soldiers varies, but as early as March 13 the Ukrainian government said there were about 200,000 soldiers. Parliament quickly approved interim President Oleksandr Turchynov’s resolution to build a national guard with 60,000 people. About 8,500 soldiers and 36 military jets engaged in military exercises, but Moscow claimed it was to familiarize the soldiers with the land. Rep. Michael Turner (R-OH) said the troops are at 80,000 and others said 30,000.
“I can’t tell you how awful this is,” said one congressional source who spoke to Fox News on the condition of anonymity.
However, just last Friday, sources told CNN’s Jake Tapper they received information that Putin would invade Ukraine over the weekend. Nothing happened.
On Sunday, NATO warned Russia over their troops. They claim Moscow is violating many international laws. One law is the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE). Countries in the treaty are limited to 20,000 tanks and 30,000 ACVs. NATO fears more troops could pose a danger to Moldova and seize Transdniester.
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