Russia is once again gathering troops near Ukrainian border

Officials in the United States and Europe have noted the build-up of troops on the border with Ukraine in recent weeks following the Russian-Belarusian military exercise “West 2021”, which is worrying, the Washington Post reported.

The publication notes that videos have recently appeared on social networks showing “Russian military trains and convoys carrying large quantities of military equipment, including tanks and missiles, in southern and western Russia.”

According to sources, “Russian officials, starting with President Vladimir Putin, have intensified their rhetoric in recent months, attacking Kyiv’s ties with the West.”

The newspaper notes that the West also draws attention to the fact that “the conflict between Ukrainian troops and Russian-backed separatists in the eastern region of Donbas is entering a new stage.”

The Washington Post draws attention to the fact that this situation is developing against the background of strained relations between Moscow and NATO after Russia stopped its mission in NATO.