More than 100,000 Russian troops painted in attack vehicles with “invasion stripes” were on their way to Ukraine’s border on Wednesday, reinforcing fears of war between neighboring countries.
According to documents leaked to The Daily Mirror, there are 1,300 combat tanks, 3,700 drones, 1,300 artillery and mortar units and 380 multiple rocket systems.
Tensions between the countries increased after Russia’s annexation of Ukraine’s Crimean territory in 2014; an attempt by Moscow to keep NATO away from its borders. Ukraine is not a member of NATO, but support for the organization has increased in recent years, and the country is attached to many NATO countries – including the USA.
According to Kyiv, 14,000 people were killed in the ongoing conflict, and many fear that Russian President Vladimir Putin believes the COVID-19 pandemic is the right time to attack and control large parts of the country, according to the report.
The appearance of painted stripes on Russian armored vehicles en route to the front lines reminded military experts of similar stripes on tanks used by the Soviet Army during the 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia. The stripes are used as a deterrent to friendly fire.
The military exercise could also be seen as a challenge for the US, as President Biden is expected to impose sanctions on Russia for interfering in the election, coup and throne in Afghanistan.
The Biden government sent warships to the Black Sea to defend against military build-up, and Russia warned the US to surrender.
The Kremlin has claimed protection for pro-Russian citizens in eastern Ukraine, and warns against the return of “Nazi Europe”, according to the article.