Russia Gives Warning To Japan: Stay Out Of Ukraine Crisis - The Russian Foreign Minister's office has warned Japan to stay out of the Ukraine crisis after Japan warned that it was ready to take 'strong actions' regarding Russia's actions in Ukraine, as well as after U.S. officials stated the U.S. has a 'close alignment' with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Full Article

White House: UK Report Of Russia's Purported Plan To Install Pro-Kremlin Leadership In Ukraine 'Deeply Concerning' - The White House has stated that the report from the UK on Russia's purported plan to install pro-Kremlin leadership in Ukraine is 'deeply concerning' White House National Security Council Spokesperson Emily Horn told Fox News.

Russian Ambassador Says Deployment Of Russian Bases In Venezuela Impossible - A Russian Ambassador to Caracas, Venezuela says that deployment of Russian bases in Venezuela is impossible under its constitution.

Russia’s Ambassador to Caracas Sergey Melik-Bagdasarov stated, "As far as Russian military bases are concerned, it is obvious. Just look at Venezuela’s constitution, which unambiguously states that there cannot and must not be any military bases on its territory".

"Why were the Americans frightened by this answer [of Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov that Russian military infrastructure could be deployed to Venezuela or Cuba] is not surprising"

The Russian Ambassador said that the biggest threat for the US is "to have independent countries here, close by, to the south of the Mexican border, which have the right to choose who they will cooperate with and how".

"The fact is that the Americans want to see here just those governments, and not only here, that obey them, but not those that make decisions on their own" he stated.

January 22, 2022 | European Command News

Russia Set To Test Missiles Off Coast Of Ireland - Russia is set to test missiles off the coast of Ireland during an 'exercise'. The 'range practice' is scheduled to take place in early February in the Eastern Atlantic.

The tests are scheduled to be carried out 240 kilometers off the Irish coast and include living firing missiles for 'range practice' in the first week of February.

Russian bomber aircraft and naval ships will be launching the missiles. Ireland is re-routing air traffic and telling them to avoid the area due to the missile tests.

A warning was given to the Irish government by the Russian Navy regarding the 'major exercise' and 'range practice' missile tests.

The area Russia is set to be carrying out the range practice is part of Ireland's Economic Zone, patrolled by Irish ships and Aircraft.

Russian Foreign Ministry Blasts UK- The Russian Foreign Ministry has reportedly put out a statement blasting the UK, saying that their claim that Moscow sought a puppet government in Ukraine is 'nonsense'.

UK Government: Kremlin Plan To Install Pro-Russian Leadership In Ukraine Has Been Exposed - The UK Government has put out a statement on their official website that they have exposed a plan by Russia to install pro-Russian leadership in Ukraine as it considers whether to invade and occupy the country.


The government statement reads "We have information that indicates the Russian Government is looking to install a pro-Russian leader in Kyiv as it considers whether to invade and occupy Ukraine. The former Ukrainian MP Yevhen Murayev is being considered as a potential candidate".

"We have information that the Russian intelligence services maintain links with numerous former Ukrainian politicians including:

-- Arbuzov, First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine from 2012-2014, and acting Prime Minister in 2014

-- Andriy Kluyev, First Deputy Prime Minister from 2010-2012 and Chief of Staff to former Ukrainian President Yanukovich

-- Vladimir Sivkovich, former Deputy Head of the Ukrainian National Security and Defence Council (RNBO)

-- Mykola Azarov, Prime Minister of Ukraine from 2010-2014"

"Some of these have contact with Russian intelligence officers currently involved in the planning for an attack on Ukraine".

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said: "The information being released today shines a light on the extent of Russian activity designed to subvert Ukraine, and is an insight into Kremlin thinking".

"Russia must de-escalate, end its campaigns of aggression and disinformation, and pursue a path of diplomacy. As the UK and our partners have said repeatedly, any Russian military incursion into Ukraine would be a massive strategic mistake with severe costs".

Kyiv Intel Says Russia Increasing Involvement In Eastern Ukraine - Ukraine's military intel says that Russia has increased its military support for separatists in eastern Ukraine in the recent weeks as well as increasing its 'active recruitment of mercenaries'.

On January 21st the agency said that over 7,000 tons of fuel, tanks, self-propelled artillery and other weapons and ordinance had been sent to Ukraine from Russia in the recent weeks.

While Russia denies aiding the separatists in eastern Ukraine, Kyiv intelligence says that they have evidence that Russia has provided military, economic as well as political support to the separatists since the conflict started in 2014.

The report by Ukrainian military intelligence states that recruitment centers in Russia have increased their efforts to recruit mercenaries to fight in eastern Ukraine.

Russia's Ambassador To Caracas: Venezuela Is To Offer Military Help To Moscow If Relations With US Exacerbate - Russia's ambassador to Caracas, Venezuela says that Venezuela is ready to offer military help to Moscow if relations with the United States exacerbate.

Russia’s Ambassador to Venezuela, Sergey Melik-Bagdasarov on the YouTube channel Soloviev.Live on Saturday was asked whether Caracas would be able to provide 'military and technical' assistance to Russia if relations between the United States and Russia exacerbate sharply.

"Absolutely" he stated. "From the very first minutes of the hysteria, which was sparked by the words of Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Alexeyevich Ryabkov [about the potential deployment of Russian military infrastructure to Venezuela or Cuba], in the West and the United States" he stated.


"I have been receiving calls from Venezuelan politicians and cabinet members. I have held meetings with them, and they pledged their unequivocal and, in general, unhesitating support, since they have gone through that and are going through it together with us" he added.

"It is this form of unprecedented pressure involving illegal restrictive measures, slander and persecution in the international arena, along with all the means of pressure available to our Western counterparts," the ambassador added. "They face it all in full, so they are well aware that the relations between our countries have the possibility of strengthening further on".

"Our specialists, who repair and maintain military hardware, are carrying on with their work here. We strenuously bolster Venezuela’s defense capabilities".

"Venezuela has quite a developed infrastructure of ports. It has deep-water ports and civilian ports. There is a wide range of the Venezuelan Navy’s bases. Another thing is that this is quite a sensitive topic, what is more, our aircraft carriers, guided missile cruisers have called here. And we see absolutely nothing extraordinary in that" he concluded.

Commander Of German Navy Resigns Over Putin Comments - Commander of the German Navy has resigned over comments saying that Putin deserved respect, that Kyiv would never be returned to Ukraine and that they would never meet NATO's criteria for membership.

comments made by the Commander of the German Navy, Kai-Achim Schönbach angered Kyiv after he stated that Crimea will never be returned to Ukraine and that the country will never Meet NATO's criteria for membership to into the alliance.

The Vice-Admiral made a statement saying "I have asked Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht to relieve me from my duties with immediate effect".

NATO Allies Increase Lethal Weaponry To Ukraine - Estonia and Lithuania have green lit sending Javelin anti-tank weapons and Stinger air-defense systems to Ukraine. The U.S. has approved the transfer of light anti-tank weapons from the UK and Russian made helicopters.

The U.S. State Department calls the transfer of weapons the "fastest transfer ever" for the United States government.

The Biden administration is also transferring five Russian made Mi-17 transport helicopters that were already located in the Ukraine for servicing.

The Russian made helicopters were originally purchased by the United States to be used for forces in Afghanistan but since the Afghan military does not exist anymore they are being transferred to Ukraine under the Excess Defense Articles program.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated "And so the idea that the provision by the United States, by European countries, by NATO of defensive military equipment to Ukraine is somehow provocative or cause for Russia's actions has the world upside down"

"All that we are trying to do is to make sure to the best of our ability that, as I said, Ukraine has the means to defend itself, and that might perhaps deter further aggression by Russia" he added.


US Ships 90 Tons Of Military Aid To Ukraine - The United States has shipped 90 tons of military equipment to Ukraine, 'lethal aid' that is worth around $200 million.

The shipment is apart of the additional $200 million of 'lethal aid' that had been approved by the Biden administration in December and includes ammunition for Ukrainian front line soldiers.

In the past year the United States has shipped Ukraine $650 million worth of military equipment and services which is more than the United States has ever given to Ukraine according to the State Department.

"The United States and its allies and partners are standing together to expedite security assistance to Ukraine" Secretary of State Antony Blinken tweeted Friday.

"We are utilizing all available security cooperation tools to help Ukraine bolster its defenses in the face of Russian aggression" he added.

UN Chief Convinced Russia Won't Invade Ukraine But Hopes He's Right - The United Nations Secretary General said that he's convinced that Russia will not be invading Ukraine, but that he hopes he's right.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke to reporters and said, "There should not be any military intervention. In this context, I think that diplomacy is the way to solve problems"

"I'm convinced it will not happen and I strongly hope to be right" he added. "Any invasion by one country to another country is against international law".

"I simply believe that we have to find a diplomatic solution" to avoid a conflict he said.

Russia Says They Expect Provocations From US And Kyiv On Eve Of Olympics - The Russian Foreign Ministry says that they are expecting military and information provocations from the U.S. and Kyiv on the eve of the Olympics.

*NOTE* - Russian sources required translation.

Russian state news agency RIA Novosti reported that Bloomberg cited that the Chinese President Xi Jinping asked Russian President Vladimir Putin 'not to attack Ukraine' during the Olympics that will be held from February 4th to February 20th.

Zakharova reportedly said "It is no longer a fake, but already a special information operation by US respective agencies through Bloomberg," the diplomat said.

"a diplomat in China" is actually Americans Zakharova stated.

"No one who was supposed or who was likely to have this information was approached by ‘Bloomberg undercover journalists’ for confirmation. Although Bloomberg used to abide by a 'golden rule’ in the old and not so evil days that at least two, or even three, verified sources should confirm the information obtained" Zakharova added.

RIA Novosti reported Zakharova claimed that the U.S. will support companies that refuse to sponsor the Olympics in Bejing and said that according to Zakharova the Russian side expects provocations from the 'United States' and 'Kyiv' that will be led by both countries, and will be informational and that Russia can't rule out 'military' provocations.

"They will do their best, especially since they have a lot of experience" RIA Novosti reported Zakharova as saying.


Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova wrote "I understand that, judging by the American media, Russia should have attacked a long time ago. But we never "attacked"

State Department Orders Families Of US Embassy Personnel Evacuation - The State Department has ordered the families of US embassy personnel in Ukraine to begin evacuating the country as early as Monday, according to a tweet by Fox News Reporter Lucas Tomlinson.

Scott Anderson, a former legal adviser for the US Embassy in Baghdad said "This is not a good sign" but told people to be cautious about drawing grand conclusions from what little information is available currently.

Anderston stated "The basic logic here is to do whatever you can to reduce the number of people you will have to evacuate if/when hostilities really start in earnest".

"If something was clearly imminent, they probably wouldn't wait until Monday or limit themselves to family members" he added.

Germany Continues To Break With NATO Allies Regarding Ukraine - Germany continues to break with NATO allies and reject calls to ship weapons to Ukraine, calling it 'currently not helpful'. This has angered Ukraine, as well as comments by Germany Navy that Crimea will never be returned and Ukraine will never be allowed into NATO.

German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht told Welt am Sonntag saying that while it's the 'consensus in the federal government' not to ship arms to Ukraine' Berlin is still 'standing on Kyiv's side' and says that "we must do everything to de-escalate the situation".

The refusal to ship weapons to Ukraine has angered the country as well as comments made by the Commander of the German Navy, Kai-Achim Schönbach who stated that Crimea will never be returned to Ukraine and that the country will never Meet NATO's criteria for membership to into the alliance.

Kyiv replied that there is a 'deep disappointment with the German government's position on not providing Ukraine with defense weapons".

"Today, more than ever, the firmness and solidarity of Ukraine and its partners are important to curb Russia's destructive intentions".

The U.S. embassy in Kyiv however put out a statement saying "The United States and its allies and partners are standing together to expedite security assistance to Ukraine" and added that Washington and its NATO allies are committed to "bolster its defenses in the face of growing Russian aggression".

Washington To Russia: Keep U.S. Response To Security Guarantees A Secret - Washington has asked Russia not to publish their written response to Russia's security guarantees proposal and keep it a secret, according to the Washington Post.

According to the Washington Post however, a senior State Department official acknowledged that the Kremlin may decide to publish it after the United States sends it next week.

Sources in the U.S. Department of State told the Washington Post that a written response will include US proposals in the security domain and will demonstrate the country's interest in continuing talks with Russia.


They also stated that the written response will not be containing any commitments when it comes to NATO's open-door policy and accession of new members.

The Washington Post stated that a Biden administration official said "There‘s one decision-maker in Russia and it’s President Putin. If this then allows the ultimate decision-maker in Russia to looks at these ideas and decide whether to move forward, it’s in our interest".

"We don’t want to be the ones who foreclose a potential diplomatic solution" he also stated.

January 21, 2022 | European Command News

U.S. To Send More Troops To Poland And Romania If Russia Invades Ukraine - Biden stated on Wednesday that if Russia invades Ukraine, the U.S. will be sending more troops to Poland and Romania, boosting its number of troops in eastern NATO countries.

Biden said that the U.S. would not be withdrawing troops from eastern Europe in order to de-escalate tensions with Russia and said "There’s not space for that".

"We’re going to actually increase troop presence in Poland or Romania, et cetera, if in fact he moves, because we have a sacred obligation with Article 5 to defend those countries because they’re part of NATO" Biden added, clarifying however that the U.S. will not be stationing permanent troops in former Soviet states.

Republican Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa however does not believe Biden's threats will be taken seriously after the world watched America's botched Afghanistan withdrawal which left behind civilians trapped behind Taliban checkpoints.

"“Putin doesn’t take this president, they don’t take his threats and they certainly don’t take his leadership seriously" Earnst stated.

"What I haven’t heard from this administration is what are we doing for Americans that live in Ukraine? Again, have we not learned our lessons from Afghanistan?" he asked.

Germany Blocks NATO Ally From Giving Weapons To Ukraine - Germany has blocked North Atlantic Treaty (NATO) ally Estonia from getting weapons to Ukraine by saying that they won't issue permits for German-origin weapons for export to Ukraine according to the Wall Street Journal.

The U.S., Britain and Poland as well as other NATO allies have all opted to export 'lethal weapons' to Ukraine, but Germany refuses to do so.

Estonian and German officials have said that Germany has refused to allow a third country to send artillery to Ukraine because the weapons originated in Germany.

A German government spokesman stated "The principle governing arms exports is always the same—whether they come directly from Germany or from third countries—and no permission has been issued at this stage. It is not possible to estimate the outcome of the process at this moment".

A government official from Estonia says that Estonia is still attempting to talk Germany into allowing the weapons to be sent to Ukraine.

Kristo Enn Vaga who is the advisor to the Estonian defense minister stated "Hopefully we will get the approval from Germany. Estonia has shown that we want to help Ukraine in practical terms in any way we can".


Germany's refusal to issue permits for the weapons may not make a huge difference on the battlefield, but it may signal to Russia that there is disunity in the NATO alliance which could be read as a sign of weakness to Moscow.

U.S. Considering Evacuating Family Members Of Diplomats Out Of Ukraine - The U.S. is considering evacuating family members of diplomats out of Ukraine in light of rising tensions in the region according to Bloomberg.

Bloomberg reported that non essential staff would be given the option to voluntarily leave and that the move is prudent as tensions with Russia rise.

The plan includes an order to return home for family members and the option to stay or leave voluntarily for non essential employees.

UK Ministry Of Defense: Royal Navy Ships Escort 3 Russian Warships - The UK Ministry of Defense reported that the Royal Navy ships HMS Tyne and HMS Dragon have escorted three Russian warships through the North Sea and English Channel.

The UK Ministry of Defense stated that the escort was part of a 'unified response with allies'.

The UK MOD added that they took over from Kon Marine and will pass onto the Marine Nationale to continue the escort.

Blinken: We Will Share With Russia Our Concerns And Ideas In More Detail In Writing Next Week - U.S. Defense Secretary Antony Blinken has said that the U.S. will share with Russia its concerns and ideas in more detail in writing next week after Russia issued demands that the U.S. give a written response to its security proposals as soon as possible.

U.S. Defense Secretary Antony Blinken stated "We anticipate that we will be able to share with Russia our concerns and ideas in more detail and in writing next week".

Russian Embassy: Russia Is Not Going To Attack Anyone - The Russian embassy put out a tweet calling for an end to the 'hysteria' and stating that Russia is not going to attack anyone but failed to explain the over 100,000 Russian troops stationed near the Ukrainian border.

"We stress once again: [Russia] is not going to attack anyone" the Russian embassy tweeted, also stating "The practice of moving troops on our own soil is a sovereign right" and "We call to end the hysteria and not to pile on tension around the Donbass problem.

The Russian embassy however failed to address the over 100,000 Russian troops, heavy artillery and Russian tanks that have been stationed near their shared border with Ukraine. Many also believe the Russian deployment of troops and Iskander ballistic missile launchers in Belarus that they claim are there for drills may actually be intended for an invasion on Ukraine.

Russia Says Their Demand For NATO Pullout Includes Bulgaria And Romania - The Russian Foreign Ministry has stated that their demands for a NATO pullout also applies to both Bulgaria and Romania.

Russian diplomat Sergey Lavrov stated at a press conference "It is about withdrawing foreign troops, equipment and weapons, as well as about other steps aimed at restoring the 1997 configuration of those countries who weren’t NATO members at that time and that includes both Bulgaria and Romania".


Russian Embassy To USA: Nothing New At Negotiations - The Russian embassy to the United States tweeted that within a few hours the State Department published 3 documents 'designed to incriminate Russian authorities' and 'state media' but that Russia didn't see anything new and claimed that Washington keeps replicating propaganda and allegations.

Russian ambassador Anatoly Antonov stated that "Within a few hours @StateDept published three documents designed to incriminate Russian authorities and state media. We didn't see anything new. Washington keeps replicating unfounded allegations and continues to call current developments in Flag of Ukraine 'myths of Flag of Russia propaganda'".

Blinken And Lavrov Both Say They Do Not Expect Breakthrough At Negotiations - Blinken stated "We don't expect to resolve our differences today" at the negotiations. Lavrov replied that he heard Blinken's statement and that Russia also doesn't expect a breakthrough.

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov's reply to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, "I heard one of your last statements when you said you do not expect a breakthrough at these negotiations. We do not expect a breakthrough either. What we do expect is complete answers to our proposals"

Lavrov States Russia Is Very Patient, But Our Patience Is Exhausted - During a news conference on Russia's foreign policy performance in 2021, on January 14th Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had stated "Our patience has been exhausted. We are very patient. You know what they say about how long Russians take to harness their horses? We harness them slowly but then it’s time to ride".

"Our patience has been exhausted. We are very patient. You know what they say about how long Russians take to harness their horses? We harness them slowly but then it’s time to ride. Now we are waiting for the coachman over there to give specific answers to our proposals." Lavrov stated. Full Article

Russian Duma Chairman Calls To Recognize Donbass Independence From Ukraine - Vyacheslav Volodin, Russian State Duma chairman has called upon the parliamentary to discuss recognizing the independence of Donbass as well as its separation from Ukraine according to Maariv.

The Russian parliament will be holding consultations next week to appeak to Russian President Vladimir Putin to recognize two pro-Russian breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine as independent states according to a statement from the chamber's speaker on Friday.

Volodin said that United Russia party was worried about the security of Russians living in the two breakaway areas.

"The question submitted for our examination is a very serious and responsible one" Volodin stated.

"We see that (Ukrainian) President Zelenskiy is ignoring the Minsk (peace) agreements. NATO wants to occupy Ukraine. Both things can result in tragedy. We must not let this happen", Volodin added.

6 Russian Landing Ships Pass Through English Channel - Six Russian landing ships from the Russian Northern Fleet and Baltic Fleet have passed through the English channel to enter the Mediterranean and join a group of Russian Pacific Fleet ships on maneuvers with Iran and China to 'conduct exercises'.


The six landing ships sailed past Britain in the North Sea under the guise of conducting exercises, but sparking fear that they are actually bound for an invasion on Ukraine.

The warships Korolev, Minsk and Kaliningrad are a part of the Baltic Fleet while the Olenegorsky Gornyak, Pyotr Morgunov, and Georgii Pobedonosets are a part of the Northern Fleet

Britain Warns Russia And China: West Will Stand Together To Fight Dictatorship - Britain on Friday gave a warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping saying that the West will stand together to fight for democracy against dictatorships which have been emboldened more than any time since the Cold War.

British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss spoke in Australia and said that the West must respond together to the current global threats and deepen ties with democracies in the Indo-Pacific to 'face down global aggressors'.

Truss stated that Global aggressors "are emboldened in a way we haven’t seen since the Cold War" during a speech at the Lowy Institude in Sydney, Australia.

"They seek to export dictatorship as a service around the world. That is why regimes like Belarus, North Korea and Myanmar find their closest allies in Moscow and Beijing".

Truss stated that the West should work with allies such as Australia, Israel, India, Japan and Indonesia to 'face down global aggressors, specially in the Pacific'.

"It's time for the free world to stand its ground" Truss said and warned Putin to "desist and step back from Ukraine before he makes a massive strategic mistake".

"Kremlin has not learned the lessons of history. invasion will only lead to a terrible quagmire and loss of life, as we know from the Soviet-Afghan war and conflict in Chechnya." truss stated.

Biden Clarifies Any Russian Units Moving Across The Border Is An Invasion - Biden has clarified that any Russian units moving across the Ukrainian border is an invasion and will be met with a 'severe and coordinated economic response'.

Biden said that this has been dicussed with allies and stated "let there be no doubt at all that if Putin makes this choice [to further invade Ukraine] Russia will pay a heavy price".

Russia Moves S-400 Triumph Surface To Air Missile Systems To Belarus - Russia has announced that they are moving their S-400 Triumph surface to air missile systems from Russia to Belarus.

Russian state news agency TASS reported that after arriving to 'the places of training tasks' Russian servicemen will equip their positions and 'go on alert'.

The Russian Defense Ministry told reporters "Two divisions of anti-aircraft missile systems S-400 "Triumph" of the Air Force and Air Defense of the Eastern Military District, involved in the testing of reaction forces of the Union State, made a march to the loading station in Khabarovsk Territory <...> The air defense units will perform a combined march by rail and on their own to the unfamiliar ranges of the Republic of Belarus".

The Russian Defense Ministry stated that upon arrival at the training locations the Russian servicemen will 'assume the alert duty as part of the joint regional air defense system of Belarus and Russia'.


The ministry stated that the first stage will be 'redeployment and establishment of groupings of troops in Belarus as soon as possible' and by February 9th the 'protection and defense of important state and military facilities' and then the 'protection of the state border' in the airspace.

During the second stage of 'testing' from February 10th to 10th a joint exercise 'Union Resolve - 2022' will be carried out which 'issues a suppression and repulsion of external aggression' and 'counter-terrorism' and protection of interests of the 'Union State'.

Moscow: Russia, Belarus Forced To Respond To NATO Buildup At Shared Borders - Moscow says that Russia and Belarus are forced to respond to NATO military buildup at their shared borders.

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a news briefing on Friday that Poland, Lithuania and Ukraine have all been stepping up their military presence along the 'Union State's borders' which is 'forcing Russia and Belarus to respond appropriately to such incendiary acts'.

"We share the concerns of [our] Belarusian colleagues and allies that NATO has been beefing up its military presence along the external borders of Belarus. This is, after all, the common border of the Union State and the CSTO" Zakharova stated.

"Poland, Lithuania and Ukraine are demonstratively concentrating their armed security forces and military equipment near the border, and [military] infrastructure is being built up. In this regard, Russia and Belarus are compelled to counteract adequately, and this includes combined policing of the airspace, regular joint training, drills and so on" she added.

Zakharova also referred to the upcoming snap inspection of Russia's rapid reaction forces and the Union Resolve 2022 exercises scheduled for February 10th through 20th.

"Unlike [our] Western colleagues, we do not hide our plans, [we] act openly, clarify and respond to questions and, in the framework of voluntary transparency, report on the implementation of activities to strengthen the joint defense of the Union State" she stated.

Russia, China And Iran Warships Navigating To Middle East For Drills - Warships from Russia, China and Iran are all navigating to the Middle East for joint naval drills in the Persian Gulf. Syria, India and Venezuela will also be participating in the drills.

The Russian Navy's Pacific Fleet put out an announcement that Russian warships had arrived at the Iranian port of Chahnbehar, where they said they would 'take part in a planned conference on conducting a joint naval exercise of warships of Russia, Iran and China'.

The Russian warships include: Slava class guided missile cruiser Varyag, destroyer and anti-submarine warfare ship Admiral Tributs and the sea tanker Boris Butoma.

The three countries have dubbed the drills CHIRU. According to the Russian ambassador to Iran Levan Dzhagaryan, Syria, India and Venezuela would also be participating in the drills.

Dzhagaryan told Russian State news Sputnik that the drills would be focusing on 'ensuring international shipping safety' and 'combating piracy'.


'Piracy' is no doubt meant as an ambiguous term in light of the fact that Iran sees American seizures of Iranian cargo ships as an act of 'piracy', along with sabotage attacks by Israel.

January 20, 2022 | European Command News

Russia Staging Massive Cross Country Military Drills & Live Fire Iskander-M Missile Systems - Russia is staging massive cross country military drills where they will be live firing Iskander-M missile systems.

The drills will include every body of water that borders Russia and include over 140 warships, 1,000 pieces of equipment, 10,000 troops and 60 aircraft.

"The main focus of the exercises is to refine the Navy and Aerospace Forces’ actions to protect Russian national interests in the World Ocean, as well as to counter military threats to Russia from the sea and ocean," the Russian defense ministry stated.

The combat teams of Iskander-M tactical missile systems will be holding live-fire exercises at the Kapustin-Yar training ground in the Astrakhan region account to the press office of the Russian Southern Military District on Thursday.

The press office stated "A missile formation armed with Iskander-M tactical missile systems has gone on training alert. Over 400 personnel of the Southern Military District units are conducting a multi-kilometer combined march from their permanent bases to the Kapustin Yar practice range in the Astrakhan Region where they will take part in a tactical exercise with missile combat launches".

White House Clarifies Any Russian Military Incursion Into Ukraine Will Be Met With Severe Response - After Biden indicated that a small scale invasion into Ukraine would be met with a less severe response, the White House has put out a statement clarifying that any incursion into Ukraine will be met with a 'severe' response.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki stated "President Biden has been clear with the Russian President: If any Russian military forces move across the Ukrainian border, that's a renewed invasion, and it will be met with a swift, severe, and united response from the United States and our Allies".

"President Biden also knows from long experience that the Russians have an extensive playbook of aggression short of military action, including cyberattacks and paramilitary tactics. And he affirmed today that those acts of Russian aggression will be met with a decisive, reciprocal, and united response" she continued.

January 19, 2022 | European Command News

Biden Predicts Russian Invasion But Suggests Minor Invasion Would Have a Lesser Response To Russia Than Full Scale Invasion - Biden stated on Wednesday that he believes Russia will further invade Ukraine, but says that a small scale invasion will have a lesser response than a full scale invasion would and unlike Britain, which believes Putin wants a full-scale invasion, Biden does not believe Putin is seeking a full blown war but does want some kind of confrontation.

Biden stated "I'm not so sure he is certain what he is going to do. My guess is he will move in. He has to do something".


Regarding sanctions, Biden said of Putin "He's never seen sanctions like the ones I promised will be imposed if he moves, number one".

Biden also made the comment that "It's one thing if it's a minor incursion and we end up having to fight about what to do and not do, et cetera".

"But if they actually do what they're capable of doing with the forces amassed on the border, it is going to be a disaster for Russia if they further invade Ukraine. And that our allies and partners are ready to impose severe cost and significant harm on Russia and the Russian economy" Biden said.

Ukraine has indicated that they found the comments made by the President offensive when a Ukrainian official told CNN that they were "shocked that the US President Biden would distinguish between incursion and invasion".

"This gives the green light to Putin to enter Ukraine at his pleasure" the official told CNN. "Kyiv is stunned" he added.

Biden explained the difference between a minor incursion and a full scale invasion by saying "If there is something that is where there's Russian forces crossing the border, killing Ukrainian fighters, et cetera, I think that changes everything".

"But it depends on what he does, to what extent we'll get total unity on the NATO front" Biden added. "It's very important that we keep everyone in NATO on the same page. That's what I'm spending a lot of time doing, and there are differences. There are differences in NATO as to what countries are willing to do, depending on what happens".

"The cost of going into Ukraine in terms of physical loss of life for the Russians -- they'll be able to prevail over time but it's going to be heavy," he said. "It's going to be real. It's going to be consequential. Putin has a stark choice. Either de-escalation or diplomacy. Confrontation and consequences" Biden said.

"This is not all just a cake walk for Russia. Militarily, they have overwhelming superiority. And as it relates to Ukraine, they'll pay a stiff price immediately, near term, medium term and long term if they do it".

Unlike Britain, who says that they believe Russia is preparing for a full-scale invasion on Ukraine, Biden stated that he believes Russia is not seeking 'any full-blown war' but does believe that Russia is looking for some type of confrontation.

He doesn't think now will cost him what it's going to cost him," Biden said. "And I think he'll regret having done it."

"The only thing I am confident of is that decision is totally, solely, completely Putin's decision. Nobody else is going to make that decision. No one else is going to impact that decision. He's making that decision. And I suspect it matters which side of the bed he gets up on in the morning as to exactly what he's going to do" Biden stated.

"I believe he's calculating what the immediate short-term and the near-term and the long-term consequences of Russia will be. And I don't think he's made up his mind yet".

Russian State News: DPR Militia Says Ukrainian Army Preparing Sabotage Actions In Donbass - Russian State News Agency TASS has reported that the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) Militia says that the Ukrainian Army is preparing sabotage actions on the 'contact line' in Donbass.


People's Militia Deputy Head Eduard Basurin stated "We have obtained reliable information that the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) command is preparing sabotage actions in Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics near the contact line. Commander of UAF Special Forces Major Grigory Galagan ordered the 8th Special Forces Regiment to prepare and carry out these terror attacks" according to the Donetsk News Agency.

The report states that acts of sabotage might occur in life support facilities in Donetsk, Gorlokva, Yasinovataya, Dokuchayevsk and other settlements in proximity with the contact line.

Russian Embassy: Stop Providing Weapons To Ukraine - The Russian Embassy has called on Washington to stop providing weapons to Ukraine and instead convince them to 'stop sabotaging the Minsk Agreements' according to a statement.

"If the United States is truly committed to diplomatic efforts to resolve the intra-Ukrainian conflict, they should abandon plans to supply new batches of weapons for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Instead, Washington should use its influence on the Ukrainian authorities to convince them to stop sabotaging the Minsk Agreements" the statement read.

The Russian Embassy has also called on Washington to 'end hysteria' regarding the situation in Donbass.

"We stress once again: Russia is not going to attack anyone. The practice of moving troops on our own soil is a sovereign right. We call to end the hysteria and not to pile on tension around the Donbass problem. And most importantly - not to push ‘hotheads’ in Kiev towards new provocations" the statement said.

GOP Senators Call On Biden And NATO To Bloody Putin's Nose - GOP Senators have called on the Biden Administration and NATO to take decisive action against Russia and bloody Putin's nose.

Senator Roger Wicker told reporters on Wednesday "As of yet no one has given Vladimir Putin a bloody nose".

"I think the alliance, our friends in NATO and a bipartisan majority are prepared to assist Ukraine in making sure that if it happens this time Vladimir Putin will get a bloody nose" he added.

Wicker spoke the comments accompanied by Senator Rick Scott, Senator Rob Portman and Senator Jim Inhofe during the Senate Armed Services and Senate Foreign Relations GOP news conference on Capital Hill in Washington.

Canada Says It Fears Armed Conflict Could Break Out In Ukraine - Canada says that it fears that armed conflict could break out in Ukraine and is currently working with allies to make it clear to Russia that more aggression towards Ukraine is not acceptable according to Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

"We do fear an armed conflict in Ukraine. We're very worried about the position of the Russian government ... and the fact that they're sending soldiers to the Ukrainian border" Trudeau stated at a news conference.

"We're working with our international partners and colleagues to make it very, very clear that Russian aggression and further incursion into Ukraine is absolutely unacceptable" he stated.


"We are standing there with diplomatic responses, with sanctions, with a full press on the international stage."

Canada currently has troops stationed in Latvia taking part in a NATO mission. Trudeau has said that they would "continue the important work that NATO is doing to protect its eastern front".

Russia: Start Of Countdown For Security Guarantees Has Begun - Russian Delegation says that the start of the countdown for security guarantees has begun.

Konstantin Gavrilov, head of the Russian delegation at the Vienna Negotiations on Military Security and Arms Control stated on Wednesday that the West 'faces a moment of truth' which 'has started the countdown in wait for the adoption of Russian proposals on security guarantees addressed to the United Nations and NATO".

Russia has been demanding that NATO withdraw its forces from eastern Europe and pledge not to expand further into the region, and also demanded that NATO go back on its promise to allow Ukraine into the alliance in the future.

These demands have already been rejected by both the United States and NATO as unacceptable, yet Russia continues to press them anyway.

Gavrilov stated "There arrives a moment of truth when the West either accepts our proposals or other ways will be found to safeguard Russia’s security".

"I am convinced that with goodwill and a willingness to compromise in any situation, it is possible to find a way out to mutually acceptable solutions. We are running out of time. The countdown begins" he said.

Ukrainian Official: A Russian Attack Could Come At Any Minute - A new invasion of Ukraine could happen 'at any minute' a Ukrainian official told Military Times on Wednesday, a similar statement that was just recently put out by Jen Psaki.

In relation to Ukraine's current alert status the official stated, "If you put it in terms of green, yellow and red, I would say we are at yellow-plus".

UK Defense Official: We Strongly Believe Russia Is Preferring Full Scale Invasion Rather Than Limited Offensive - A UK Senior Defense Official has stated that they strongly believe that Russia is preferring a full scale invasion of Ukraine rather than a limited offensive, according to the UK's Daily Mail.

The UK Senior defense official stated "We strongly believe [Putin's] preference is for a full invasion rather than a limited offensive. In a sense he might as well go for as much of Ukraine as he can get hold of because the penalties are just the same".

"Also, if he just occupies the eastern regions he will never be able to take back the whole of Ukraine because of the inevitable strengthening of Ukrainian forces in the remainder of the country in the aftermath" they said, calling it the 'nightmare scenario'.

Ukrainian Defense Ministry Says Russia Now Has 127,000 Troops Near Border -The latest intelligence assessment by the Ukrainian Defense Ministry states that Russia has more than 127,000 soldiers near the Ukrainian border now and has 'almost completed' its build up in the region according to a CNN report.


"The full strength of RF AF (Russian Federation's Armed Forces) land group at the Ukrainian direction -- (is) over 106,000 personnel. Together with the sea and air component, the total number of personnel is over 127,000 servicemen" the report stated.

The report also stated that Russia is attempting to "trying to split and weaken the European Union and NATO" and aimed at "limiting the capabilities of the United States".

It has also now been confirmed that Russia has 36 Iskander mobile short range ballistic missile launchers near the Ukrainian border capable of hitting targets between 310 to 430 miles away.

The document also stated that a new 'front line' has revealed itself along Ukraine's northern border with Belarus.

"The territory of Belarus should be considered as a full-fledged theater of operations that Russia can use to expand aggression against Ukraine" it stated.

The U.S. State Department stated that Belarus has become an "increasingly destabilizing actor in the region".

Russia And Belarus Set To Rehearse Repelling An External Attack Next Month - Russia and Belarus have announced drills next month where they will practice repelling an external attack in Belarus which they say is necessary as Ukraine has built up troops near Belarus.

Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin stated that 12 Russian fighter jets, two units of an anti-aircraft missile system and a Russian Pantsir missile system will be deployed to Belarus for the drills next month.

U.S. Secretary Of State Blinken On Way To Meet Russian Foreign Minister - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is departing Washington D.C. to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov for talks in an attempt to prevent a Russian invasion of Ukraine.

January 18, 2022 | European Command News

UK Officials Told To Be Ready For 'Crisis Mode' Regarding Russia - Officials at the U.K. Foreign Office are being told to get ready to move into 'crisis mode' at very short notice in light of heightened tensions with Russia regarding Ukraine.

According to Bloomberg this is not an indication that the U.K. government believes a Russian invasion on Ukraine is imminent or happening for sure, it is merely 'putting precautionary plans in place' to shuffle staff into higher priority areas and allow the FCDO to quickly move if crisis mode is triggered.

U.S. Ambassador To The UN: Belarus Deployment Suggests Russia Has Plans To Invade Ukraine - The U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield has stated "The Belarus deployment shows Russia is making moves that would suggest that they have plans to invade".

Washington: Russia Could Attack Ukraine At Any Time - WASHINGTON - The White House has put out a statement saying that Russia could launch an attack on Ukraine at any time and that it would support an anti-Russian insurgency if Russia decides to further invade Ukraine. Full Article

US Worried Russia May Deploy Nuclear Warheads In Belarus - A Senior State Department official has said that Belarus could play a part in a Russian invasion on Ukraine and Washington is worried about the potential that Russia could deploy conventional weapons, or even nuclear warheads in Belarus.


"These movements are supposedly under the auspices of regularly scheduled joint military exercises" the official said. "The timing is notable and, of course, raises concerns that Russia could intend to station troops… in order potentially to attack Ukraine".

Germany May Halt Pipeline If Russia Invades Ukraine - Germany Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that Germany may consider halting the Nord Stream 2 pipeline if Russia decides to invade Ukraine.

Scholz says that Germany is open to sanctions on Russia if they decide to attack Ukraine and said that everything is on the table, including halting the Nord Stream 2 pipeline which runs from Russia to Germany.

Scholz told reporters that it was "clear that there will be a high price to pay and that everything will have to be discussed should there be a military intervention in Ukraine".

Some U.S. Officials Believe Intelligence Indicates Russia Planning To Take Ukraine's Capital - According to a report by CNN, although Washington is still unsure what Putin's plans are, 'some U.S. officials who have seen the intelligence say there is evidence Russia is planning to try to take Ukraine's capital, Kyiv'.

Other officials believe that it's 'more likely that Russia will launch a more limited operation' in the eastern part of Ukraine.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki stated "Let's be clear. Our view is this is an extremely dangerous situation. We're now at a stage where Russia could at any point launch an attack in Ukraine".

"And what Secretary Blinken is going to go do is highlight very clearly there's a diplomatic path forward. It is the choice of President Putin and the Russians to make whether they're going to suffer severe economic consequences or not" she stated.

Regarding the military buildup near the Ukrainian borders as well as the increase of Russian troops in Belarus, a Ukrainian official official stated "We see that it's not de-escalating, it's ongoing. Still not enough to do a full-scale invasion and sustain it but it's still a lot".

White House: We're Now At A Stage Where Russia Could Attack At Any Time - The White House Press Secretary has told reporters "We're now at a time where Russia at any time could launch an attack on Ukraine".

The White House Press Secretary also stated that 'No option is off the table" if Russia "further invades Ukraine".

U.S. And NATO To Support Anti-Russian Insurgency If Russia Invades Ukraine - The United States has indicated that it would strongly support an anti-Russian insurgency if Russia invaded Ukraine according to the New York Times.

The New York Times article stated that U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III and General Mark A. Milley the chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff both have warned Russia in telephone calls that if Russia invades Ukraine it would likely be followed by a bloody insurgency that would be supported by the United States.

It also says that the Biden administration has stated that a Ukrainian insurgency would involve the CIA as well as the Pentagon.


James Stavridis, a retired four-star Navy admiral who was the supreme allied commander at NATO stated "If Putin invades Ukraine with a major military force, U.S. and NATO military assistance — intelligence, cyber, anti-armor and anti-air weapons, offensive naval missiles — would ratchet up significantly"

"And if it turned into a Ukrainian insurgency, Putin should realize that after fighting insurgencies ourselves for two decades, we know how to arm, train and energize them" the Admiral stated.

Russia: We Cannot Tolerate NATO's 'Gradual Invasion' of Ukraine - Spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin Dimitry Peskov says that the reason Russia began building up troops near the Ukrainian border is because it could no longer 'tolerate' NATO's eastward expansion and 'gradual invasion' of Ukraine.

Peskov appeared on CNN's Fareed Zakaria GPS and said that the stage for the current crisis on the border was set decades ago, back in the 90's.

"When Germany was reunited and when the then-Soviet Union and the Soviet Union leader Mr. [Mikhail] Gorbachev said OK to that, there was a promise by American side" Peskov said.

"Unfortunately, not fixed in a juridical, in a legally binding guaranteeing document, but it — there was a guarantee that NATO would never .. expand its military infrastructure or political infrastructure eastwards".

"Unfortunately, the opposite thing started to happen since then, and NATO's military infrastructure started to get closer and closer to the borders of the Russian Federation".

He said that recent actions by the United States military made Russia feel that its national security was 'endangered'.

Peskov said that NATO is being a 'weapon of confrontation' and not a 'dove of peace'.

"I'm a spokesperson to Kremlin, and I officially can tell you that there are no Russian troops on Donbas and on Ukrainian soil" he stated.

Peskov was asked if there is any room for a potential compromise in the event that Ukraine becomes a NATO member in the future.

Peskov replied "Well, there is also space for compromise. Excluding some principal concerns, and here we're talking about principal concerns. Russia has never had a deficit of political will for negotiations".

"But in general, in principle, we can now say that we are staying on different tracks, on totally different tracks, and this is not good, and this is disturbing".

"At first, they were just words, but with the time being, we have seen the gradual invasion of NATO into Ukrainian territory, with its infrastructure, with its instructors, with supplies of defensive and offensive weapons, teaching Ukrainian military, and so on and so forth. And that brought us to the red line. That brought us to the situation when we — when we couldn't tolerate it anymore" Peskov said.

Russia Begins Evacuating Diplomats From Ukraine - Russia has begun evacuating its diplomats from Ukraine. Russian consulates have also been told to prepare to leave Ukraine according to the New York Times.

Iskander-M Ballistic Missile Launchers Seen Heading Towards Ukraine On Russian Trains, Russia Denies It - Iskander-M ballistic missile launchers have been spotted by Moscow-based Conflict Intelligence Team (CIT) and captured on video being transported through Russia on trains toward Ukraine, but Russia has denied that it plans to invade Ukraine.


CIT stated that some of the Iskander-M launchers were seen as far west as the Ural mountains which divides Europe and Asia.

Rail car tracking shows the launchers began being transported from Ulan-Ude and Birobidzhan which is close to military bases.

Russian Troops Begin Arriving In Belarus - According to Belarus Secretary of Security Council, Russian troops have begun arriving in Belarus. Russian military vehicles have been spotted all over the country.

The arrival of Russian troops in Belarus indicates that Russia may be preparing to launch an offensive into Ukraine within the next few weeks.

Former US Ambassador To Ukraine Says 50% Chance Of Major War In Europe - Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bill Taylor has stated that he believes there is a "50 percent" chance that a 'major war' will break out in Europe amid fears that Russia will invade Ukraine.

Taylor told CNN on Sunday "There's a 50 percent chance that there will be a major war in Europe today, with tens of thousands of soldiers on both sides, both sides, dying".

"A nearly 50 percent chance of that kind of outcome is troubling, is very troubling" he said.

"The reason, if there is reason, if Mr. Putin is thinking about the cost and benefits, he won't do it. Because the costs are are very, very high. The cost in soldier's lives, the cost in civilian lives. The cost in sanctions that he knows are coming".

Taylor told CNN that he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin has an 'obsession' with Ukraine and "He wants to be sure Ukraine doesn't join NATO".

"Mr. Putin thinks that Ukraine is not a sovereign country...he thinks Ukraine and is really just part of Russia" he stated.

January 17, 2022 | European Command News

Canada Sends Special Forces To Ukraine Amid Fear Of Invasion - Canada has reportedly sent special forces to Ukraine amid fears of a Russian invasion.

Canada's globalnews.ca reported that sources told them that "the Canadian special operations presence is part of an attempt by NATO allies to deter Russian aggression in Ukraine, and to identify ways to assist the Ukrainian government".

Global News stated that the special forces unit is tasked with developing evacuation plans for Canadian diplomatic personnel in the event of a 'full scale invasion' on Ukraine.

British Sends Troops To Ukraine Amid Fears Of Russian Invasion - The British have reportedly sent troops to Ukraine amid fears that a Russian invasion could be only days away.

The British Defense Secretary is warning of a 'very, very bloody war'.

Washington Says We're Ready For Diplomacy With Russia Or Invasion, Either Way - U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has stated that Washington is ready whether Russia decides to take the path of diplomacy, or to invade Ukraine.

During an interview with CBS, Sullivan said "ready either way. We’re in close touch with our allies and partners, including the Ukrainians".

"We’re coordinating closely on next steps. And we’ll have more to share in terms of the next steps into the diplomacy early next week" he stated.


"But the key point here is that we’re ready either way. If Russia wants to move forward with diplomacy, we are absolutely ready to do that in lockstep with our allies and partners".

"If Russia wants to go down the path of invasion and escalation, we’re ready for that, too, with a robust response".

Russia And Belarus Holding Joint Military Exercise In February - Belarus President Lukashenko stated on Monday that Russia and Belarus will be holding a joint military exercise in February with the date yet to be determined.

"We had made plans for a military exercise in February long ago. Go ahead to set a specific date and announce it so as nobody can reproach us that we have massed up troops all of a sudden and are almost ready to go to war" Lukashenko said.

"Today we can see that we need to hold a major exercise in this western and southern region, sometimes called the ‘Belarusian balcony’" Lukashenko stated.

He said that there should be a "normal exercise to practice a certain scenario to resist these forces: in the west (Baltic countries and Poland) and in the south (Ukraine)".

UK Supplying Ukraine With Defensive Weapons Systems - Britain says they are supplying Ukraine with defensive weapon systems to face threats posed by Russia according to Britain's defense minister Ben Wallace on Monday.

Wallace told Britain's parliament on Monday "We have taken the decision to supply Ukraine with light anti-armor defensive weapon systems. They are not strategic weapons and pose no threat to Russia. They are to use in self-defense".

Belarus President Says Over 30,000 U.S. Troops Amassed In Poland And Baltic States - The President of Belarus, Lukashenko says that there are over 30,000 U.S. allied troops amassed in Poland and the Baltic States near Belarusian borders according to Russian News Agency TASS.

"According to the data as of now, over 30,000 troops with military hardware, armaments and so on are amassed in Poland on the border with Belarus and in the Baltic states" Lukashenko stated.

Lukashenko also said that Poland has turned to NATO's leadership and requested to deploy a multilayered logistic support system in the region.

He also said that NATO is trying to put talks with Russia about security guarantees "on the back burner" and 'talk down all these negotiations and ideas and pretend as if nothing is happening".

"And we see what is happening" Lukashenko stated. "Warsaw has turned to the North Atlantic bloc’s leadership … with a request to deploy a multilayered logistics and maintenance support system in that region. As persons familiar with military affairs, we immediately ask: Why?".

"From 8,000 to 10,000 US troops are deployed on the territory of Poland and the Baltic states on a rotating basis. What do the Americans have to do there? Why do they reproach us and Russia that we hold maneuvers, drills and so on while they have come here from far away? What will you be doing here?" he stated.

White House Repeats Warnings Of Severe Economic Consequences If Russia Invades Ukraine - The White House has repeated its warning of 'severe economic consequences' from both the United States and Western allies if Russia decides to invade Ukraine.


"In terms of sanctions, what we have laid out is a very clear message to the Russians, and we've done so in concert and in unison with our allies that if they do further invade Ukraine, there will be severe economic consequences and a price to pay". White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan stated on Sunday during an interview with 'Face The Nation'.

"If it turns out that Russia is pummeling Ukraine with cyberattacks, and if that continues over the period ahead, we will work with our allies on the appropriate response" he stated.

Sullivan said that if Russia does invade Ukraine the United States will 'take measures that go at their economy, that go at their strategic position in Europe, that strengthen the solidarity of NATO.

"We're ready either way. If Russia wants to move forward with diplomacy, we are absolutely ready to do that in lockstep with our allies and partners. If Russia wants to go down the path of invasion and escalation, we're ready for that too, with a robust response that will cut off their strategic position" he stated.

"So, from our perspective, we are pursuing simultaneously deterrence and diplomacy, and we've been clear and steadfast in that again, fully united with the transatlantic community".

Russia Says U.S. Claims That Russia Is Preparing Provocation Against Ukraine Disinformation - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated at a press conference that the United States have disseminated a batch of 'total disinformation' about Russia preparing a provocation in order to justify an invasion on Ukraine.

Sullivan stated that the administration has been warning for months that cyberattacks could be part of a "broad-based Russian effort to escalate in Ukraine" and that the United States has been working with the government of Ukraine to increase their defenses.

"That's part of their playbook. They've done it in the past in other contexts" he stated.

"Let’s not forget what the American officials said about the very subject of the so-called Russian invasion of Ukraine. For instance, by spreading complete disinformation that we are preparing a provocation all but attacking the Russian-speaking population in Donbass in order to obtain the pretext for that very invasion" Lavrov said to Russian News Agency TASS.

Lavrov stated that the current 'tragedy of modern Ukraine' did indeed begin in 2014, but that it was not the result of a provocation on the part of Russia but the result of a state coup that was 'supported and even to a substantial degree organized' by the United States.

"And nowadays, undoubtedly, Ukraine is being externally governed by the US" Lavrov said. "Washington is quite capable of simply forcing the Kiev regime to finally implement the Minsk Accords. This subject was also discussed during the Putin-Biden summit last June in Geneva. There we saw and heard the US’ understanding of the essence of the Minsk Accords. Above all, [it lies] in Donbass’ special status. And I hope that our American colleagues will occupy themselves with this".


NATO Signs Deal With Ukraine To Deepen Cyber Cooperation - NATO has signed a deal with Ukraine to 'deepen' cyber cooperation after the latest cyber attack on Ukrainian government websites, and worries about a coming full scale Russian invasion on the country.

Ukraine says that it has evidence that Russia was behind the cyber attacks on its government websites, something that Russia has denied involvement in.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated on Friday that cyber experts from NATO are already on the ground in Ukraine working with them regarding the latest cyber attack.

Stoltenberg said that the new cyber agreement with Ukraine will 'enhanced cyber cooperation, including Ukrainian access to NATO’s malware information sharing platform'.

January 16, 2022 | European Command News

Canada Puts Out Travel Alert Telling Citizens To Avoid Ukraine - Canada has put out a travel alert advisory telling its citizens to avoid air travel to Ukraine due to ongoing Russian aggression and military buildup.

The advisory Canada put out to its citizens says "Ukraine - avoid non essential travel to Ukraine due to ongoing Russian aggression and military buildup in and around the country".

Russian News Reports US Wants To Move Troops Closer To Border - Russian news agency TASS has pointed out that Slovakia's former Prime Minister Robert Fico stated on Sunday that the only goal of a military cooperation agreement between the United States and Slovakia which was approved by the Slovakian government January 12th would be to deploy US troops closer to the Russian border.

The Russian news agency quoted Fico saying "This agreement [on military cooperation with the United States] betrays Slovakia’s national interests. It only goal is to move the US military closer to the Russian borders."

Slovakia's Foreign Minister Ivan Korcok however supports the agreement, saying that the opposition is only trying to picture the United States as an aggressor.

Peskov: Russia Will Never Discuss Withdrawal Of Missiles From Kaliningrad With Anyone - Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov said on Sunday that Russia will never discuss the withdrawal of weapons and missiles from Kaliningrad with anyone.

In an interview with CNN Peskov said "Russia will never discuss with anyone withdrawal of nay missiles and any weapons from Kaliningrad because Kaliningrad is the territory of Russia".

"And with all due respect we will not tolerate any demands for us to do this or that on our own territory. None of the countries will tolerate" he stated.

Lavrov: Reaching An Agreement Depends On US, We Won't Wait Forever - The Russian Embassy has put out a tweet quoting Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stating that Reaching an agreement depends on the United States and that Russia will not wait forever.

Lavrov stated "Reaching an agreement on security guarantees depends on #US. We know there are plans to drag out this process, incl Washington’s excuses of the need to consult with allies and involve all #OSCE members in talks. #Russia will not wait forever".


Russia Hints If Demands Aren't Met It Could Move Nuclear Missiles Closer To U.S. - The New York Times has reported that Russia has hinted that if its demands are not met then it may take 'military-technical' steps, including moving nuclear missiles closer to the United States.

This after Russia warned that if tensions continue to mount Russia would not rule out deploying its military to Cuba and Venezuela and Russian news, Pravda suggested that Russia may decide to build a naval base in Cuba or Venezuela' after claiming it surfaced a nuclear submarine off of the U.S. coast.

January 15, 2022 | European Command News

UK Says There Will Be Consequences If Russia Invades Ukraine - The UK Defense Secretary has stated that there will be consequences if Russia invades Ukraine and that Britain would 'stand up to bullies' no matter how far away the conflict is.

The UK defense secretary stated that an incursion by Russia into Ukraine would violate the 'most basic freedoms and sovereignty'.

The UK defense Secretary said he met with ministers in Sweden, Finland and Norway to discuss Russia's continued aggression and military build-up on the Ukrainian border.

"The UK and our Nordic partners are united in our approach to upholding European security. My discussions this week have been directly about deepening bilateral relations, shared security and the consequences of Russian aggression towards Ukraine" he said.

"Our discussions were clear that a Russian invasion of Ukraine would be a strategic mistake, violating the most basic freedoms and sovereignty. Britain and the Nordic countries have a long and shared history".

"Our European neighbors and allies remain vital partners as we work together to defend our common values, counter shared threats and build resilience in our neighborhood. The UK will always stand with them".

Defense Intelligence Of Ukraine Says Militants In Donetsk Released Toxic Ammonia Gas Into Atmosphere January 14th - A report by the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine stated that militants in Horlivka in Donetsk Oblast eastern Ukraine released toxic ammonia gas into the atmosphere on January 14th.

The intelligence stated that the release of chemicals could be part of a red-flag operation, or a 'pretense for a further Russian invasion of Ukraine'.

The Defense Intelligence Of Ukraine reported that Russian backed militants had released chemicals into the occupied territories of Ukraine and that the containers of ammonia gas on the site of the former Stirol (Styrene) factory in Horlivka have been 'depressurized' which lead to gas leakage.

The statement said that "Chemical pollution could lead to an environmental catastrophe in the east of our country".

The Stirol factory had reportedly been shut down since 2014 when Horlivka became occupied by Russian-led forces.

Ukraine Suspects Belarus Intelligence Hacker Group Hit Government Websites - Ukraine says that they suspect a hacker group linked to Belarus intelligence hacked into its government websites and shut them down.


Serhiy Demedyuk, Deputy Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council spoke to Reuters and said that they blamed the attacks that occurred on a group called UNC1151 using malware similar to that used by a group linked to Russian intelligence. Demedyuk stated that it was a cover for more destructive actions.

"The defacement of the sites was just a cover for more destructive actions that were taking place behind the scenes and the consequences of which we will feel in the near future" Demedyuk stated.

Regarding the hacker group UNC1151, he stated "This is a cyber-espionage group affiliated with the special services of the Republic of Belarus".

The message that the hackers had placed on the websites were in Ukrainian, Russian and Polish and had used Google translate for the Polish version.

Demedyuk stated "It is obvious that they did not succeed in misleading anyone with this primitive method, but still this is evidence that the attackers 'played' on the Polish-Ukrainian relations (which are only getting stronger every day)"

Russian Embassy: Accusations Against Russia About Invasion Pretext Unfounded - The Russian Embassy in the United States put out a tweet saying that the 'continuous accusations' against Russia on preparation for invasion pretext are unfounded.

The Russian Embassy tweeted "Once again, we declare: the continous accusations against Russia on preparation of some kind of pretext for the invasion of Ukraine (Both at the U.S. official level and in the media) are unfounded and cannot have any confirmation".

Lavrov: Offensive Weapons A Red Line Even If Ukraine Does Not Become NATO Member - Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov stated "Even if Ukraine does not become a member of NATO, deployment of the alliance's offensive weapons on Ukrainian territory is also a 'red line' for Russia".

Sweden Rolls Out Tanks Onto Streets Of Gotland In Response To Russian Activity - Sweden has reportedly rolled out tanks onto the streets of Gotland on Friday in response to "Russian Activity" that had been observed by the Swedish military.

Sweden rolled out about 10 armored combat vehicles along with dozens of armed soldiers in the small port town of Visby on the island.

Swedish Defense Minister Peter Hultqvist told AFP news "The armed forces are taking the necessary measures to safeguard Sweden’s integrity and to demonstrate our ability to protect Sweden and Swedish interests".

The Swedish military put out a statement on Thursday saying that their troops would be deployed "to reinforce operations in multiple locations” due to “increased Russian activity in the Baltic Sea".

January 14, 2022 | European Command News

Russian Nuclear Submarine Carrying 160 Nukes Surfaces Off US Coast - Russian news, Pravda has claimed that a Russian nuclear submarine with 160 nuclear warheads on board appeared off the U.S. coast and went unnoticed.

Pravda stated that the Russian nuclear submarine was of the Borey project which carries 16 Bulava ballistic missiles, each capable of carrying up to 10 nuclear warheads.


Pravda claimed that the nuclear submarine approached the U.S. coast unnoticed before starting back to its base, and that Russian nuclear submarines will be able to 'constantly patrol the waters near the US coast in the event that Russia decides to build a naval base in Cuba or Venezuela'.

Pravda released this questionable information just one day after a Russian official spoke of sending military assets to Cuba and Venezuela.

Russia: No Western Sanctions Can Heavily Affect Russia's Economy - Russian News Agency TASS reported that no Western sanctions can heavily affect Russia's economy.

Chairman of the Russian State Duma Committee on International Affairs Leonid Slutsky stated in an online briefing on Friday that the Russian economy is resilient to any external impact and that sanctions cannot seriously affect it according to TASS.

"We are going to respond adequately. We have diversified our economy, today it can resist any external influences. And, of course, I cannot say that there are no sanctions that are sensitive" Slutsky stated.

He also stated that Russia has 'appropriate' and if necessary, 'symmetrical' methods of countering any kind of sanctions from the West.

Slutsky said that "sanctions and other restrictive measures were not the right tools to be used, although they likely can exist somewhere as an exception. But there is no need to use them in modern world politics. It is unjustified".

"As for the actions directed against us, we are aware of our capabilities, no restrictive measures can entail catastrophic consequences for the Russian economy" he stated.

US Has Information Indicating Russia Is Planning False Flag Operation- Pentagon Spokesman John Kirby says Russia has 'pre-positioned a group of operatives to conduct a false-flag operation in eastern Ukraine' in order to create a pretext to invade Ukraine.

An official told CNN that the U.S. has evidence that the operatives are trained in urban warfare and the use of explosives in order to carry out acts of sabotage against Russian proxy forces in order to frame Ukraine as a pre-text for an invasion.

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan stated on Thursday "Our intelligence community has developed information, which has now been downgraded, that Russia is laying the groundwork to have the option of fabricating the pretext for an invasion".

"We saw this playbook in 2014. They are preparing this playbook again and we will have, the administration will have, further details on what we see as this potential laying of the pretext to share with the press over the course of the next 24 hours" Sullivan said.

The Ukrainian Defense Ministry said on Friday that "the military units of the aggressor country and its satellites receive orders to prepare for such provocations".

The official told CNN that the Biden administration believes Russia could be preparing to invade Ukraine and that it 'may result in widespread human rights violations and war crimes should diplomacy fail to meet their objectives'.


"The Russian military plans to begin these activities several weeks before a military invasion, which could begin between mid-January and mid-February. We saw this playbook in 2014 with Crimea" the official stated.

Ukraine: Data Suggests Cyberattack Carried Out By Russian Federation - The Ukrainian Information Ministry said that 'the first data suggests' today's cyberattack on Ukrainian websites was 'carried out by the Russian Federation'.

"Contrary to the allegations of the attackers, the leakage of data, including personal data, did not occur" the Ministry stated.

Swedish Military Raises Preparedness Due To Russian Activity In Baltic - The Swedish military has raised military preparedness due to increased Russian activity in the Baltic Sea, which 'deviates from the normal picture' according to Sweden's military.

Lieutenant General Leif Michael Claesson told the Associated Press, "We have decided to reposition our troops. It does not have to mean an increased threat, but we always want to adapt to the prevailing situation"

Sweden is not currently a NATO member but has observed that landing craft from Russia's northern navy have been entering the Baltic Sea.

Claesson stated that some actions by the Swedish military will be visible and other actions will not be.

"We will act in different locations in Sweden, in different manners" he stated, saying that they would be visible on the Baltic Sea island of Gotland which is around 186 miles away from the Russian Baltic Sea exclave of Kaliningrad.

"We will operate in the air, at sea, below the surface and on the ground in different ways and in different geographical locations" he stated.

Russia Demands Response From US And NATO Next Week Regarding Ukraine - On Friday Russia repeated its demands that NATO will not allow Ukraine to join the alliance and agree not to expand its forces into Eastern Europe.

Russia has demanded a response from the United States and NATO by next week and said that it would not wait for a response indefinitely.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Friday that Russia has 'run out of patience'. "The West has been driven by hubris and has exacerbated tensions in violation of its obligations and common sense" he stated.

Lavrov stated that Russia is expecting a written response from Washington and NATO to its demands by next week.

U.S. Department Of State: It Is Russia That Has To Make A Stark Choice - "It is Russia that has to make a stark choice: de-escalation and diplomacy or confrontation and consequences. We expect and had expected that the Russian delegations…will have to report back to President Putin, who we all hope will choose peace and security".

Russia Says Their Patience With The West Has Come To An End - Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Lavrov reportedly stated that Russia's patience with the West has come to an end and said 'now is the time to go'.

Lavrov stated "Russia's patience with the actions of the West has come to an end, we have been harnessing for a long time - now is the time to go".


Ukrainian Government Sites Hacked In A Massive Cyberattack - Ukrainian government websites have been hacked in a massive cyberattack and are temporarily down.

A Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman stated "Our specialists are already working on restoring the work of IT systems & the cyber police opened an investigation".

The hacked message on the websites include the following text written in Ukrainian, Russian and Polish: "Ukrainian! All your personal data has been uploaded to the public network. All data on the computer is destroyed, it is impossible to recover them. All information about you has become public, be afraid and expect the worst".

Ukraine's Ministry of Defense websites, e-government services website and education ministry are also temporarily down.

January 13, 2022 | European Command News

U.S. National Security Advisor Says Russia Creating Pretext To Invade Ukraine - U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan says that the administration will be sharing within the next 24 hours what US officials have seen Russia doing regarding creating disinformation as a pretext to invade Ukraine according to CNN reporter Natasha Bertrand.

British MI5 Says Chinese Agent Has Been Active In UK Parliament- British intelligence agency MI5 has said that a Chinese agent has been active in the UK Parliament and engaged in political interference activities on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party.

UK Speaker Sir Lindsey Hoyle stated MI5 warned him that a woman named Christine Lee has been "engaged in political interference activities on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party, engaging with members here at parliament".

MI5 sent out an 'interference alert' warning that Lee has "facilitated financial donations to serving and aspiring parliamentarians on behalf of foreign nationals based in Hong Kong and China...done covertly to mask the origins of the payments".

The alert stated "Lee has acted covertly in coordination with the United Front Work Department of the Chinese Communist Party (UFWD) and is judged to be involved in political interference activities in the UK".

Lee had made over 700,000 pounds in donations to parliamentarians.

US Enforces Sanctions On North Korean Officials After Missile Test - The United States has hit officials in North Korea with sanctions in response to North Korea's latest missile tests.

The U.S. Treasury Department stated that it is imposing penalties on five North Korean officials for obtaining equipment and tech used in North Korea's missile programs.

Sanctions have also been ordered for another North Korean, A Russian as well as a Russian company for their support of North Korea's development of weapons of mass destruction.

US Secretary Of Defense Call With Ukraine - U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin says he had a productive call with his counterpart in Ukraine discussing Russia's 'unprovoked military build-up'.

The Secretary of Defense stated "I had a productive call today with my Ukrainian counterpart @oleksiireznikov to discuss Russia’s unprovoked military build-up & our support for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate. We remain committed to supporting Ukraine, including thru ongoing provision of defensive assistance".


He also posted a readout stating "Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with his Ukrainian counterpart, Minister of Defence Oleksii Rezinov to discuss Russia's ongoing and unprovoked military buildup in and around Ukraine. Secretary Austin reaffirmed unwavering U.S. support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, including ongoing efforts to build the capacity of Ukraine's forces through the provision of defensive assistance. The leaders expressed support for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and committed to continuing their close coordination".

Russia Says It Will Sever Ties With US If It Sanctions Putin Over Ukraine - Russian spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated Thursday that there would be a complete rupture of ties between the United States and Russia if the US sanctions Russian President Vladimir Putin over Ukraine.

Peskov stated "The imposition of sanctions against the head of state and against the head of Russia, I repeat once again, is an outrageous measure that is comparable to a break in relations".

Peskov was replying to U.S. Senate Democrats who on Wednesday introduced a sanctions bill that would penalize Russia with sanctions in the event of a Russian invasion on Ukraine.

Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Senator Bob Menendez said "This legislation makes it absolutely clear that the US Senate will not stand idly by as the Kremlin threatens a re-invasion of Ukraine".

"As the Biden administration seeks a diplomatic path forward this week in Europe to avoid another bloody escalation in Ukraine, I find little reason to believe that Putin is negotiating in good faith nor do I believe he has any newfound respect for Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity" Menendez stated.

"Putin need not collapse his entire economy nor does he need to sacrifice the lives of his own people in a futile attempt to rewrite the map of Europe".

The bill was backed by the White House which would impose sanctions on top officials in Russia, including Putin himself.

The New York Times reported that National Security Council Spokesperson Emily Horne said "We support Senator Menendez's legislation, which would trigger severe costs to Russia's economy and support additional security assistance to Ukraine should Russia further invade. We will keep working with Congress on maximizing potential costs to Russia".

Russia Won't Rule Out Military Deployments To Cuba And Venezuela If Tensions Continue To Mount - Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov said that Russia will not rule out deploying its military to Cuba and Venezuela if tensions with the United States continue to mount.

Ryabkov said that he could 'neither confirm nor exclude' the possibility that Russia may send military assets to South America if the United States persist their military activities near Russian borders.

"It all depends on the action by our U.S. counterparts" Ryabkov stated during an interview on the Russian television network RTVI.


Havana Syndrome Baffling Washington After New Cases In Europe- A mysterious illness called 'Havana Syndrome' is baffling Washington after four more diplomats in Geneva and Paris have been sickened with the suspected neurological illness.

Over the last five years around 200 people have become sickened with this mysterious illness with some believing that U.S. enemies may be targeting diplomats with microwaves.

The illness began showing in 2016 and has affected diplomats, spies and government officials, as well as their family members and even Canadian diplomatic staff in Cuba, some feeling fatigue and dizzy spells for months after allegedly being exposed.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the government is working to get to the bottom of this mystery illness and said that he met with State Department employees around the globe who had experienced symptoms to describe what they experienced.

Blinken said during an interview with MSNBC that people had been "directly and powerfully affected".

"To date, we don't know exactly what's happened and we don't know exactly who is responsible" he stated during the interview.

"We are working overtime across the entire government to get to the bottom of what happened, who's responsible".

Russia: No Reason For Round Of Talks In Near Future - After talks between Russia and NATO failed to come up with a resolution, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov stated that there is 'no reason for a new round of talks in the near future'.

Ryabkov said that the U.S. and NATO allies are not prepared to meet Russia's key demands for security guarantees and are only ready to talk on topics of security assurances that are 'convenient for them'.

NATO: There Is A Real Risk Of A New Armed Conflict In Europe - NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated that there is a 'real risk of a new armed conflict in Europe' and that the alliance is ready to send troop reinforcements into Eastern Europe if Russia invades Ukraine after talks with Russia failed to find a resolution.

As expected, NATO allies unanimously rejected Russia's demands for guarantees that Ukraine would never be allowed into the alliance.

Stoltenberg said "It is only Ukraine and 30 allies that can decide when Ukraine can become a NATO member. No one else can, and of course Russia does not have a veto".

Despite the fact that there were many hours of dialogue, talks were fruitless as Russia would not back down on their demands that NATO withdraw forces from Eastern Europe and pull out of post Soviet states.

Russia has military forces in Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova and they are unwanted and uninvited there.

Stoltenberg said that NATO allies have called on Russia to withdraw its own forces from Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine.

Poland: Europe At Greatest Risk Of War In 30 Years - Poland's Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau has stated that Europe is closer to war than it has been any time in the last 30 years.

During his address to envoys from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, he spoke of tensions in Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia and Moldova, all countries in which have some sort of conflict with Russia.


"It seems that the risk of war in the OSCE area is now greater than ever before in the last 30 years" he stated. "For several weeks we have been faced with the prospect of a major military escalation in Eastern Europe".

January 11, 2022 | European Command News

Russia Moving Helicopters Into Place For Possible Attack - U.S. Officials say that Russia is currently moving its military helicopters into place, a sign that Russia continues to plan for an invasion on Ukraine despite talks being carried out according to the New York Times.

U.S. Officials had predicted that Russia would bolster its troops from between 100,000-120,000 to about 175,000, though currently the number still stands at about 100,000 military personnel near the Ukrainian border.

Despite the slowing of Russian troops arriving at locations near the border, Russia has positioned new attack aircraft and put transport helicopters in place there.

U.S. Officials say that Russia's attack window is limited to the next few months, during the peak winter when the ground is frozen, allowing for Russia to roll tanks and heavy equipment over.

After the ground begins to thaw by around March the ground would no longer be frozen, and the tanks and heavy equipment would end up getting stuck in the resulting mud.

So far the ground yet remains muddy as it has been a relatively mild winter and there hasn't been the usual 'hard freeze' that causes the ground to become hard enough to roll heavy equipment through.

According to the New York Post, as a result Putin may be forced to wait until February to carry out any offensive against Ukraine.

Ukraine Says It Has Arrested Russian Agent Planning Odessa Attacks - Ukraine has stated that they have arrested a Russian agent that was planning attacks in Odessa, Ukraine's largest Black Sea port.

Ukraine's SBU Security Service stated on Monday that they have detained a Russian military intelligence agent who's "main task was to shake up the political situation in the Odessa region through sabotage and terrorist acts".

Russia To US: Playing With Fire Is No Longer Acceptable - Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stated that Russia tried to explain to the United States that playing with fire is no longer acceptable.

"We came to Geneva to avoid entering into an impasse. We spent a lot of effort trying to explain to our American counterparts why playing with fire is not in their interests, why the potential disregard for our absolutely justified presentation of the problem that things cannot any longer go the way they were in the past decades, cannot continue in relations with NATO. We need drastic changes in the narrative or our relations, its matrix, its framework" he stated.

Ryabkov said that dialogue between Russia and the United States on security guarantees should not be postponed or dragged out for months or years.

"There are various levels of predictability in such formats and we need to evaluate them to see if there is a perspective for a next step, which can be taken as soon as possible".


Russian Led Troops Leaving Kazakhstan In 2 Days - The CSTO Russian led troops are set to leave Kazakhstan in 2 days time.

Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced that the more than 2,000 Russian led CSTO forces would begin to leave the country in two days and that the pullout would take no more than 10 days time to complete.

""The main mission of the CSTO peacekeeping forces has been successfully completed" Tokayev stated.

"In two days a phased withdrawal of the CSTO united peacekeeping contingent will begin. The withdrawal process of the contingent will take no more than 10 days".

Ukraine: We Will Defend Ourselves Until The Last Drop Of Blood - As talks between Russia, the United States and NATO reveal no breakthrough, Ukraine says that they will defend themselves against Russia 'to the last drop of blood'.

Ukraine's military chief, Lieutenant General Valeri Zaluzhnyi is also urging people to calm down regarding the threats of a new invasion by Russia telling Sky News in an interview that it is 'absolutely no news to us'.

"I want to calm the people down so that they sleep calmly in their home" he said. "So I will repeat that our armed forces have been at war for eight years. They carry out military operations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions and they are ready to conduct them in other regions".

"I can also add that we are not going to attack anyone at all. But we will protect our land until the last drop of blood" he stated.

"It is absolutely no news to us." he said. "Today [Monday] two servicemen died in the operation zone, yesterday one was wounded. The war goes on for us. And the fact that its scale can be bigger, well it used to be smaller, but became bigger. We are just doing our job".

He said that he knew Ukraine would have to face further aggression from Russia without the help of NATO forces.

"I, as the commander-in-chief, am responsible for my country and my armed forces in particular. I don't have any illusions and don't wait for a gift from God. I fought and I have been preparing my armed forces".

January 10, 2022 | European Command News

Russia: Failure To Reach Agreements Will Force Us To Deter Opponents - Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stated in an interview with Russian News Agency TASS that failure to reach agreements will mean that Russia will be forced to ensure a necessary balance and deter opponents.

"NATO declares indivisibility [of security] only in the format of its 'gathering', being vain of this fact - just listen to the statements made by NATO representatives, read their documents". Ryabkov stated.

"But we have not committed ourselves to all this, with another line and the basic agreement being obvious to us. This means that in a situation similar to the current one the misinterpreted strengthening of the west’s own security will turn into the weakening of this security because we will be forced to turn to other means of ensuring the necessary balance, of deterring the opponent, if you will, in the event of the lack of required and urgent agreement on legal guarantees" he continued.


"There is a subject for conversation here from the viewpoint of explaining the logic of approaches and, probably, specifying what the colleagues in Washington and in NATO overall are driven by. But it would be na·ve to expect progress, given the revised public presentation of the position that we see today, right before the start of contacts".

"Before the talks the position of the American side leaves little reason for optimism" he stated.

"I would first of all hear during the upcoming contacts something clearer on NATO’s non-expansion, on recall of the decision of the Bucharest summit of 2008, on unacceptability for the US and NATO nations to continue the geopolitical exploration, in fact, of the whole space controlled by this group of states to the west, north-west, south-west of our borders. This is crucial for us, not the aspects the American side is focused on now".

NATO Prepares For Worst, Fearing Talks With Russia Will Fail - Amid calls by the West for deescalation, Putin continues to make demands that he knows that NATO will not accept as NATO prepares for the worst fearing talks with Russia will fail.

Many believe that Russia is not serious about talks with NATO and the U.S. as over 100,000 Russian troops, artillery, jamming equipment and medical supplies and facilities remain stationed near the Ukrainian border, seemingly ready for an invasion.

Putin: The CSTO Has Proven Its Potential - Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) has proven its potential and ability to act swiftly and efficiently in the case of Kazakhstan.

"Our organization has proven it potential, its ability to act swiftly, decisively and efficiently" Putin stated during a CSTO meeting on Monday.

"every ally contributed to completion of missions within the CSTO forces group" he stated. "It includes forces from every member state without exception, who are already actively carrying out the operational activities".

"this indicates that the long-lasting, meticulous work on establishment of a comprehensive system of CSTO member states’ security, including the collective peacekeeping forces, bears its fruit" he added.

Internet Connectivity Significantly Restored In Kazakhstan - It has been confirmed that internet connectivity has been restored significantly in Kazakhastan as of Monday morning for the first time since the almost total internet blackout. Unclear whether it will remain restored.

January 9, 2022 | European Command News

Blinken: NATO Did Not Invade Ukraine Or Georgia, That Was Russia - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken: "Let’s be very, very clear about this: NATO did not invade Ukraine; NATO did not invade Georgia; NATO did not position forces in Moldova against the will of its people. Those are all things, among many others, that Russia has done in recent years".

"Over the past two decades, it is Russia that has invaded neighboring countries; interfered in other countries' elections; used chemical weapons to attempt to assassinate opponents of the government, and done so on foreign soil; violated international arms control agreements; pulled back from confidence-building and transparency measures long agreed".


"And so we and our allies will absolutely be raising these and other issues with Russia in the days and weeks ahead. Russia has concerns. We will listen. We have concerns and it's imperative that Russia listen".

January 8, 2022 | European Command News

Kazakhstan U.S. Embassy Security Alert: Voluntary Evacuation - Kazakhstan U.S. Embassy Security Alert: Voluntary Evacuation. "The U.S. government has authorized the voluntary departure of non-emergency personnel and family members at the U.S. Consulate General in Almaty."

"A nationwide state of emergency and curfew is in place between the hours of 11pm and 7am and will remain in effect until January 19. Expect security checkpoints controlling access to population centers, public transport disruptions, and limitations on movement throughout the country. Overland border crossing to neighboring countries may not be possible or safe at this time, and access to fuel may be limited".

"Unrest in Almaty continues, and there were reports of gunfire overnight and ongoing direct conflict between armed groups and Kazakhstani government forces. Widespread flight and train disruptions continue, and there are cancellations on both domestic and international routes. Almaty airport and railway stations are currently closed. You are advised to check with your airline to confirm your flight and reminded to avoid travel during curfew hours".

"Communications services countrywide have been limited and internet restrictions continue. However, the government of Kazakhstan reports that access to limited news outlets has been restored. Disruptions to internet access may continue to impact other services such as banking, credit card transactions, and COVID-19 testing. Coordinate with your medical provider to determine testing availability".

"U.S. citizens in Kazakhstan should be aware that violent protests may severely impact the U.S. Embassy’s ability to provide consular services, including assistance to U.S. citizens departing Kazakhstan".

To read more regarding this notice and what steps to take if you are currently located within the country visit the Kazakhstan U.S. Embassy page.

NATO: We Won't Create 2nd-Class Allies To Sooth Russia - NATO: We won't create 2nd-class allies to sooth Russia. Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg says that the troop buildup continues and says that NATO supports Ukraine and that it won't compromise on letting it choose its own course toward membership.

"We are ready to engage in arms control with Russia, conventional and nuclear, but that has to be reciprocal. We can't end up in a situation where we have second-class NATO members where NATO as an alliance is not allowed to protect them" Stoltenberg stated.

"The risk of conflict is real. Russia's aggressive actions seriously undermine the security order in Europe" he added.

January 7, 2022 | European Command News

NATO: The Risk Of Conflict Over Ukraine Is Real - NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg has stated that the 'risk of conflict is real' regarding Russia's buildup of soldiers, tanks and artillery near the Ukrainian border and said that NATO must be prepared for possibility that talks may fail.