Tensions between Russia and Ukraine are heating up after Russian troops stack up near the Donbass, Ukraine, inviting international attention to the years-long conflict. Following a planned military exercise near eastern Ukraine, Russian troops amassed near the border. Russia has routinely postured troops near eastern Ukraine since the annexation of Crimea in 2014, but experts cite this occurrence as being unusually large and potentially worrisome. The incident provoked Ukrainian and Western responses.
- Ukraine’s military announced it will hold joint exercises with NATO this year in response to the rising tensions. This move could invite reciprocal aggression from Moscow, as indicated by a Russian statement on Friday.
- To make the situation more delicate, four Ukrainian soldiers were killed in a clash with pro-Russian separatists on March 26. This incident is notably more deadly than skirmishes in recent months and risks further deteriorating the previously-successful ceasefire signed last year.
US President Biden and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke to their Ukrainian counterparts to reiterate American support for Ukraine. Since taking office, the Biden administration has committed to supporting Ukraine in the ongoing conflict and against Russian aggression.
- A White House statement on the anniversary of the Russian annexation of Crimea makes the US position clear: “Crimea is Ukraine.” President Biden also labeled the 2014 annexation as an “illegal invasion.”
- The tensions come at a time when Russian relations with the West remain fractured over the jailing of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny and Russian interference in Western elections.
International observers are torn over whether this episode represents another routine escalation by Russia or whether this incident warrants more scrutiny. Russia may be making incremental plays to test how the new Biden administration handles increased aggression toward Ukraine.