Russia-Ukraine tensions soar

QAMSIHLI, Syria (North Press) – Russian President Vladimir Putin has said his country has “every right” to “react harshly to unfriendly steps”.

Speaking yesterday, NATO’s Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said while the alliance is ready to engage in “meaningful dialogue” with Russia, it will continue to support Ukraine “politically and practically.”

In turn, US Assistant Secretary of State for Europe Karen Donfried, said the US and Europe were ready to act immediately if Russia increased aggression towards Ukraine in the coming days.

In the meantime, the US would continue to send military equipment and supplies to Ukraine in the weeks and months ahead.

Russia has moved tens of thousands of soldiers nearby Ukrainian as saying it will be forced to act if Western powers do not stop military cooperation with its neighbors.

Moscow demands a block on NATO membership for Ukraine and the withdrawal of US and other allied soldiers from Eastern Europe. 

However, Ukraine and the US accuse Russia that it may be preparing an invasion of Ukraine as early as next month.

“What the US is doing in Ukraine is at our doorstep… And they should understand that we have nowhere further to retreat to. Do they think we’ll just watch idly?” Putin said.