Russian tanks, Russian artillery, Russian air defense systems and Russian troops -- all heading into Ukraine. Thats what American Gen. Phillip Breedlove, the commander of NATO forces in Europe, said Wednesday that his government has seen over the past few days -- Moscows latest such alleged incursion into the nation, parts of which remain in turmoil after months of violence. Russian officials frequently deny claims that the military has moved into disputed parts of the Ukraine, and this time is no exception. In a report from the countrys state-run TASS news agency, Russian military spokesman Igor Konashenkov blasted what he called Breedloves alarmist anti-Russian allegations. Weve stressed many a time there are no real facts behind the acts of shaking the air by Brussels officials, Konashenkov said, referring to the Belgian capital, where NATO is based. A day earlier, Breedlove said Russia has moved forces that are capable of being nuclear into Crimea, which was Ukrainian territory until being folded into Russia on the heels of a government turnover earlier this year. Crimea borders southeastern Ukraine, where much of the current unrest is focused and into which Russian troops allegedly have moved. Whether they are [nuclear-equipped] or not, we dont know, Breedlove, the top U.S. general in Europe, said Tuesday. But they do have the kind of equipment there that could support that mission if required. Russian President Vladimir Putin has alluded to his countrys nuclear arsenal, amid criticism of Russias actions. In late August, state-run TASS reported that he told a youth forum, I want to remind you that Russia is one of the most powerful nuclear nations. This is a reality, not just words. Asked specifically about possible nuclear movement into Crimea, Putins spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, NATO releases such statements almost on a daily basis. We have no intention to react and comment on them. Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu did say Wednesday that his military is considering forming a full-fledged and self-sufficient unit in Crimea. Those troops purpose would be to ensure the military security of the country and its allies, said Shoigu, according to another TASS report. In many respects, this is connected with the situation in Ukraine, with fomentation of anti-Russian moods on the part of NATO and reinforcement of foreign military presence in the immediate vicinity to our borders, the defense minister said. The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting Wednesday afternoon on the worsening situation, where one official warned of a return to serious fighting.edition.cnn/2014/11/12/world/europe/ukraine-russia-unrest/index.html?hpt=ieu_c1
Posted on: Thu, 13 Nov 2014 06:05:13 +0000