Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticized how the United States and its close allies have handled the escalating tensions. He has faulted the West for waiting to impose more damaging sanctions on Moscow, while also assailing decisions by the United States, Britain and Australia to withdraw some embassy staff and families, and accusing his Western counterparts of inciting “panic” with repeated suggestions that an invasion was imminent.
U.S. intelligence, relying in part on satellite imagery, has found that Russia is massing forces around Ukraine in support of a potential multi-front incursion. Russia has denied plans to invade and says recent troop movements are part of a training operation with Belarus, but Austin said the number of military personnel the Kremlin has stationed near Ukraine “far and away exceeds what we typically see them do for exercises.”
Zelensky said at a Friday news conference that the evidence was insufficient, even as he suggested that the troops were part of a Russian “sadomasochism” threat.
“We’re grateful to the United States for its constant support of our sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said. “But I am the Ukrainian president. I’m located here. I know … deeper details than any president.”
On Friday, Zelensky tried to paint Ukraine as a reliable business partner — Kyiv has long tried to sell itself to Europe as an attractive investment destination — and urged Western companies to contribute “practical support” to the Ukrainian economy.
“There will be profit in the future. This profit is the attitude to Ukraine. Therefore — welcome! Invest in the state now, show that you believe in Ukraine!” the president told foreign reporters.
U.S. says Russia ‘clearly’ now has capability to attack as Ukraine complains of Western panic (msn.com)
