“70% of Russia’s military power …”
“It simply came to our notice then. There are many facts that contradict this idea “
“My son did not want to go to Ukraine. Our family was in debt, her fiancé went on maternity leave, and she had to sign a military contract. “ – The mother of a Russian soldier from Buryatia near Lake Baikal told RFE / RL on condition of anonymity.
“It simply came to our notice then that, ‘training’ is sent. For some reason, sent for three months, though that, of exercises 10 They said it would take days, ” – The mother speaks.
Russia for weeks near the border with Ukraine and concentrates military forces on the annexed Crimean peninsula. On February 13, the United States Russia The number of troops has reached 130,000. Count this before 10It was said that it was 0 thousand.
Moscow denies plans to attack Ukraine, neighboring Belarus, or the Black Sea and He says he has undergone legitimate military training in the Sea of Azov.
“There are many facts that contradict this idea”
But the founder of the Conflict Intelligence Team (CIT) is a non-governmental organization. Ruslan Leviyev does not think so. This institution Russia monitors open source information on army movements.
“It simply came to our notice then. There are many facts that contradict this idea. ” – Leviyev told RFE / RL.
According to him according toRussia has sent more troops to Belarus than in previous exercises and not placed in areas intended for maneuvers. These forces are concentrated on the border of Belarus with Ukraine.
“No training is planned in the region, but an alarming number of troops have been deployed there,” he said. This is not a desert camp for soldiers. No, this is a front camp for offensive equipment. ” He stressed.
The process called soldiers
From Russian soldiers of CIT and Numerous reports from relatives have confirmed that the mother from Buryatia was told that the soldiers would be at least two months away from the main base. Some are told that this period will take nine months.
“The trainings are total 10 intended daily. “Even the minimum time given to soldiers does not correspond to the official date of such exercises.” – Leviyev said.
February of Russian-Belarusian exercises 20will end in
In an interview with The Washington Post on February 11, a military analyst at the US-based CAN think tank Michael Kofman noted that, The number of equipment sent by Russia to Belarus is not normal for such exercises.
“Trainings are held in Belarus”
Leviyev says it is difficult to explain Russia’s military build-up in the regions bordering Ukraine with exercises.
“We see them in Bryansk, Kursk, Rostov regions, in annexed Crimea. Soldiers in all these areas and There is equipment, though that, exercises are held in Belarus ” – Leviyev says.
Russia’s Defense Ministry said last week that, West and Units from the southern military districts return to their bases after unscheduled training. However, Leviyev says the exercise has nothing to do with gathering troops near Ukraine.
The CIT says “about 70 percent of Russia’s military forces” have been deployed on the border.
“It simply came to our notice then. This has never happened. I bring to your attention that, “The process of advancing forces is still ongoing.” – Leviyev emphasizes.
“Everything is in place”
In December, some analysts said that, Russia is important to attack, because there is no possibility of a major attack weather forces, or medical units did not mobilize field hospitals. But Leviyev says the mobilization has taken place since the beginning of the year.
“Everything is in order. “Everything you need to start a war is on the border.” He says, however, that this does not mean that war is inevitable. It may be that, The Kremlin “wants to create the most convincing scenario for an attack.”
“But they bring the forces very close to the border, which creates an explosive situation. Any insignificant incident can upset the plans. “ – Leviyev says.
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“70% of Russia’s military power…”
Published an article entitled “RFE / RL”
