(Dan Tri) – Reuters quoted three US officials as saying that Russian military forces along the Ukrainian border have been replenished with blood reserves, amid escalating tensions.
Russian soldiers exercise near the Ukrainian border on January 26 (Photo: Reuters).
Reuters on January 28 quoted three unnamed US officials as saying that Russia’s military force reinforcement activities near Ukraine have been expanded, including blood reserves and other medical supplies to help treat victims.
Revelations by US officials increase Washington’s concerns that Russia may be preparing for a military mobilization with Ukraine.
The Russian Foreign Ministry has not yet responded to the above information.
US officials say indicators such as blood supplies are important factors in determining whether Moscow is ready to take military action.
Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley, on January 28 warned that Russia’s military action in Ukraine, once it occurs, will be `very terrible` and lead to `significant` casualties.
`With the force deployed, if sent into Ukraine, it would be terrible and would result in a significant number of casualties. One can imagine what that would be like in densely populated urban areas, along
General Milley also said there are many densely populated areas in Ukraine, and if conflict occurs on a large scale, civilians `will suffer severe consequences`.
Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin informed reporters about the US military’s preparations for the risk of a Russia-Ukraine conflict.
However, Russia denied having any plans to mobilize troops with Ukraine, asserting that all military activities took place within its territory.
General Milley’s comments contradict the message of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
`They say there will be war tomorrow. This causes panic,` Mr. Zelensky told reporters.
However, General Milley said that he found Russia’s actions this time `different` from previous escalations.
General Milley noted that the Ukrainian army’s combat capabilities have improved since 2014, `but they still need more help to defend themselves, especially against a large-scale force like Russia.`
Nick John