Ukraine's government forces are slowly fighting their way toward the eastern city of Donetsk, held by pro-Moscow separatists. Perhaps in response, Western officials said Monday, Russia has greatly ramped up its military forces along Ukraine's eastern border, almost doubling the number of battalions, to roughly 17 battalions — or anywhere from 12,000 to 21,000 troops, plus heavy artillery, advanced surface-to-air missiles, and other hallmarks of an invading army.
Western intelligence services aren't sure what President Vladimir Putin has in mind with the show of military might, but one possibility that worries them is that he'll send a "peacekeeping" force into Ukraine if Kiev's troops look likely to rout the insurgency. "That's a very real option," an unidentified senior Defense Department official told The New York Times. "And should Putin decide, he could do that with little or no notice. We just don't know what he's thinking."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
-
6 scenic white water rafting destinations to get your heart racingThe Week Recommends Have a rip-roaring time on the water
-
Dangerous substances in Lunchables are raising concerns over children's healthIn the Spotlight High levels of lead and sodium were recently found in the snack packages
-
The Week contest: Fired artPuzzles and Quizzes
-
Israel proposes two-month pause in Gaza war in exchange for all Hamas hostagesSpeed Read Deal doesn't include an agreement to end war, but might be 'the only path that could lead to a ceasefire', said US officials
-
Nato official warns of all-out war with Russia in next 20 yearsSpeed Read Civilians must prepare for life-changing conflict and mass mobilisation, says military chief
-
Rishi Sunak visits Kyiv to announce £2.5 billion in military support for UkraineSpeed Read Surprise trip comes amid increased Russian bombardment and escalation of Middle East crisis
-
British warship repels 'largest Houthi attack to date' in the Red SeaSpeed read Western allies warn of military response to Iranian-backed Yemeni rebels if attacks on ships continue
-
Israel preparing to flood Hamas tunnels with seawaterSpeed Read IDF pumps could drive out terrorists but critics warn of danger to hostages and Gaza water supply
-
Houthi rebels claim Red Sea ship attacksspeed read Iran-backed Yemeni group vows to escalate aggression towards Israel-linked vessels in revenge for Gaza war
-
Israel plans next phase of Gaza war as first hostages releasedSpeed read After four-day ceasefire 'we will not stop' until destruction of Hamas, says Israel
-
Mob storms Russian airport 'looking for Jews'Speed Read Plane from Israel surrounded by rioters chanting antisemitic slogans after landing in Russia's Dagestan region
