The Ukrainian side of the story
Ukraine developing various scenarios to respond to Russia’s destabilization attempts – NSDC
2 April, 2021
The official says the support from Ukraine’s strategic partners is crucial.
Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) Oleksiy Danilov has said Ukraine is developing various scenarios to respond to Russia’s destabilization attempts.
According to him, the NSDC’s office is monitoring the situation round-the-clock and developing various scenarios for responding to developments, the NSDC’s press service quoted Danilov as saying during a meeting with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Canada to Ukraine Larisa Galadza.
“Unfortunately, Russia doesn’t plan to give up attempts to destabilize the situation in the region,” he said, adding the support from Ukraine’s strategic partners is crucial in countering Russia’s hybrid threat.
During the meeting, the officials discussed topical issues of bilateral security cooperation. They also exchanged views on the security situation in the region, in particular, in the context of Russia’s escalating influence in neighboring Belarus and preparations for the Russian-Belarusian Zapad-2021 strategic exercises.
Read alsoNATO says it is concerned about Russian military build-up near Ukraine – mediaThe NSDC secretary expressed gratitude to the Canadian side for comprehensive assistance to Ukraine. “Canada is our reliable friend and partner,” he said.
In turn, Galadza highlighted Ukraine’s determination in sanctions policy and reaffirmed Canada’s lasting support of Ukraine on the way to restoring territorial integrity and sovereignty over the temporarily occupied territories.
Russian troops amassed along Ukraine’s borders
- On March 30, 2021, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Colonel-General Ruslan Khomchak said Russia had deployed 28 battalion tactical groups along the state border of Ukraine and in the temporarily occupied territories. It is also said to be planning to bring up to 25 battalion tactical groups under the guise of preparing for military drills. Such actions pose a threat to Ukraine’s military security.
- According to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the invaders are reinforcing their advanced units with reconnaissance teams and sniper pairs, involving Russian army instructors in personnel training. Russia-led forces are also keeping alert artillery units in combat readiness for use in certain areas, including in settlements located on the occupied territory of Ukraine.
- On March 31, The New York Times reported Russia was pulling 4,000 troops to the border with Ukraine.
- Footage was shared on the web, showing a train with Russian military hardware en route along the Kerch Strait bridge to occupied Crimea.
- The U.S. European Command raised its alert status to the highest level after fighting had resumed between Russia-led forces and Ukrainian troops in Donetsk region.
- The U.S. Department of Defense said it was “aware of Russian troop movements” on Ukraine’s borders and was concerned about recent escalations of Russian aggression in eastern Ukraine.
Zelensky expects NATO Allies to help Ukraine achieve MAP
In 2021, Ukraine’s Army will take part in 15 multinational exercises abroad and will host nine multinational drills on own territory.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has congratulated on NATO’s 72 anniversary, adding that he counts on support of the Allies in granting Ukraine a Membership Action Plan.
“Congratulations to NATO partners on the anniversary of The North Atlantic Treaty! Look forward to extending our practical cooperation to strengthen Euro-Atlantic security. Count on support of Allies in granting MAP to #Ukraine. The Army of Ukraine is strong & continues needed reforms,” Zelensky tweeted.
At the same time, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Colonel-General Ruslan Khomchak in his address said Ukraine’s accession to NATO as a full-fledged member would benefit the Alliance.
“We effectively utilize NATO partnership tools and mechanisms to support such engagement with the Alliance, that has progressed even further with Ukraine’s recognition as an Enhanced Opportunities Partner. Ukraine is now one of six Enhanced Opportunities Partners, alongside Australia, Finland, Georgia, Jordan and Sweden. And we work on particular practical measures to add practical value to such cooperation format,” Khomchak noted.
In 2021, the top official said, Ukraine’s Army will take part in 15 multinational exercises abroad and will host nine multinational drills on own territory. Also, he recalled Ukraine’s continued efforts as part of NATO-led operations and missions in Kosovo and Afghanistan and plans in the works to join NATO Mission in Iraq and NATO Operation Sea Guardian in the Mediterranean Sea.
NATO says it is concerned about Russian military build-up near Ukraine – media
“Such cooperation is of a peaceful nature and bolsters Ukraine’s efforts towards strengthening national defense capabilities, and reaching military criteria of a full-fledged NATO membership,” Khomchak stressed.
Ukraine’s accession to NATO will “undoubtedly benefit not only Ukraine, but the Alliance itself,” noted the Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, which he says in recent years “have become a real ‘Shield for Europe’,” while Ukraine has become “an active contributor to the Euro Atlantic security.”
