Why is this a ‘critical moment’ for the US and Russia over Ukraine? – BBC News

President Putin has given his first public comments on the situation in Ukraine since December.
He says the United States’ response to Moscow’s security concerns ignores three fundamental issues. Meanwhile, Ukraine has warned Russia that an invasion will lead to a full-scale #war in Europe.
What concerns have arisen due to the recent military activities of both Ukraine and Russia at the border?
The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has escalated yet again, raising concerns about the stability of the wider region and prompting both the US and Russia to take steps towards increased military readiness. This most recent escalation has been triggered by the actions of Ukraine’s president, who recently announced that he was shifting his military’s focus to what he calls the “Russian threat”. This announcement has been met with alarm in Moscow, where officials have warned of dire consequences if Ukraine continues on this path. But why is this a ‘critical moment’ for the US and Russia over Ukraine?
The tense situation in Ukraine is the result of a long and complicated history between the two nations. The conflict began in 2014, when pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine declared independence from Kiev, triggering a military response from the government in Kiev. Russia has been accused of supporting these separatists, and of annexing Crimea from Ukraine in the same year. Since then, the conflict has simmered but never fully been resolved, and there have been periodic flare ups of violence.
The current escalation began in late March, when Ukraine began amassing troops near the border with Russia, citing fears of an imminent invasion. Russia responded by also moving troops to the border, and by conducting a series of military exercises in the region. This has led to fears that even a small incident could spiral out of control, potentially leading to a full-scale conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with the US and other Western nations also becoming involved.
The US has been closely watching the situation in Ukraine, and has expressed its support for Kiev in the face of Russian aggression. This has led to increased tensions between the US and Russia, with Moscow accusing Washington of meddling in its affairs. The US has responded by sending two warships to the Black Sea, with reports suggesting that more military assets may be on the way. This has led to concerns that even a minor incident could trigger a military confrontation between the two countries.
There are a number of factors that make this moment particularly critical for both the US and Russia. Firstly, the situation in Ukraine is part of a wider struggle for influence in the region, with Russia seeking to regain its former sphere of influence and the US seeking to maintain its presence in Europe. Secondly, the ongoing conflict has already had a destabilizing effect on the region, with thousands of people having been killed and hundreds of thousands displaced. A full-scale conflict would have even more far-reaching consequences. Finally, the fact that both countries have now taken concrete steps towards military readiness means that the potential for miscalculation or accident is greater than ever before.
In conclusion, the situation in Ukraine is a critical moment for both the US and Russia, with the potential for a military confrontation between the two countries being higher than at any point since the Cold War. The ongoing conflict has already had a destabilizing effect on the region, and there are now fears that it could escalate even further, with potentially catastrophic consequences. The international community must work together to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict, before it is too late.
China to Lift Lockdown on Coronavirus Epicenter
Team Biden releases its plan for America
Deadliest Day In New York But Curve Is Flattening
Dramatic text messages read in court as Boston College student appears before judge | ABC News
Sanders and Biden hold rallies ahead of 6 upcoming primaries