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Putin, Vladimir

Russia Escalates Tensions in Eastern Ukraine as Nuclear Drills Planned

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine of "escalating" tensions in eastern Ukraine, as Kremlin-backed separatists ordered an evacuation of civilians to Russia, and Moscow revealed plans for nuclear exercises to test ballistic and cruise missiles. The moves have heightened fears that Russia is planning to invade Ukraine, following the US warning of an imminent attack and raising its estimate of Russian troops massed on Ukraine's border to over 169,000.

Key Takeaways:

  • Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine of escalating tensions in eastern Ukraine, despite the US warning of an imminent Russian invasion.
  • Kremlin-backed separatists ordered the evacuation of civilians from the region to Russia, adding to fears of a potential invasion.
  • Moscow revealed plans for nuclear exercises, which will include units from the air force, army, and navy, with Putin personally supervising the drills.
  • The exercises, which were not held in 2020 or 2021 due to the pandemic, have been moved to February from their usual autumn timeframe, sparking concerns of an impending invasion.
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denied claims of shelling in the Donbas region, with Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine's foreign minister, denying "Russian disinformation".
  • The US raised its estimate of Russian troops massed on Ukraine's border to over 169,000, with US President Joe Biden warning of a potential invasion within "several days".

Statistics:

  • Over 169,000 Russian troops are massed on Ukraine's border, according to the US estimate.
  • The nuclear exercises will include units from the air force, army, and navy, with Putin personally supervising the drills.
  • 43 artillery salvos were fired in the Donbas region in the past 24 hours, according to Ukraine.
  • The last time the nuclear exercises were moved to February was shortly before Russia invaded Crimea in 2014.

Sources:

  • Axios
  • Reuters
  • Munich Security Conference
  • Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky
  • US President Joe Biden

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