Residents of the Ukraine-Russia border region are divided over the belligerent mood that has lingered in the region lately. There seem to be conflicting interests between different population groups and civilian militias are emerging.
“It is, of course, an extremely personal matter for each individual Ukrainian,” war journalist Robin Ramaekers said. “There are Ukrainians out there who understand the Russian position for cultural, social and economic reasons.” They also wonder aloud whether the information being spread about their giant neighbor is true or more like propaganda.
On the other hand, civilian militias trained by the Ukrainian army in Mariupol are preparing for battle with Russian troops. They number about 500 and are ready to take matters into their own hands if a Russian invasion were to take place. Mariupol is a strategically very interesting city between Russia and Crimea.
Meanwhile, the official Ukrainian army is also training with anti-missile systems obtained from the British. US President Joe Biden has also said he is willing to send US soldiers to Eastern Europe if necessary to maintain the situation.
Negotiations
At the moment, especially behind the scenes, heavy negotiations are taking place between the West and Russia. “The open series of talks are gradually over,” says Ramaekers. “Now we just have to wait and see what will come out of the United Nations Security Council on Monday.” Nevertheless, the meeting between Russian President Putin and American President Biden is especially essential.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is trying to calm things down by stating that the situation is not necessarily more pressing than it was a few months ago. However, the US Department of Defense does not rule out a conflict.
ALSO READ. (+) ANALYSIS. Maybe Putin is bluffing and the Americans also have an interest in scaring Ukraine
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