Putin could invade Ukraine in response to sanctions

As the United States and Europe impose increased sanctions on Russia, there is increasing concern that Russian President Vladimir Putin could raise the ante by unleashing Russian troops into Ukraine to back pro-Russian separatists in their bid to break from the Kiev government.

 

Regional analysts voice concern that the Russian troops amassed along the Russia-Ukraine border could be deployed ostensibly for so-called peacekeeping intervention to protect the pro-Russian Ukrainians but be used to control the territory.

 

The U.S. Department of Defense says there are some 12,000 Russian combat troops positioned along the southern and eastern borders of Ukraine. DOD also reports it has information that more than 100 Russian vehicles moved into Ukraine, a development that has raised concern in Washington.

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