Turchynov: Russia is preparing to escalate hostilities in the Donbas
Russia has stepped up the movement of troops and arms into the Donbas, which indicates its readiness to further escalate hostilities, as stated by the Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine, Oleksandr Turchynov.
According to him, military equipment, weapons, ammunition, outfits, fuel, and lubricants are being delivered "in an organized and systematic way, almost daily," both by road and by rail.
Over the last three days, tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, MT-LBs, Grad MLRS, as well as 2S7 Pion and 2A36 Giatsint self-propelled guns were deployed to the Donbas.
"All of this may be indicative of Russia's readiness for further escalation of hostilities in the Donbas," Turchynov said.
He also added that reinforcements are being provided along the entire demarcation line, and that Russian military registration and enlistment offices are drafting contract recruits to participate in the fighting.
Earlier, the Kremlin cited the deterioration of the situation in the Donbas as a reason to quickly resume the dialogue between the Russian Federation and the United States on several issues, including Ukraine.