Russia-Ukraine Crisis Overview and Xi Jinping Historic Davos Speech

In light of the hideous campaign of misinformation on the web about the current Russia-Ukraine crisis and the U.S. and Allies, I decided to make a resume based on adequate information by all involved parties. I strongly recommend listening to Xi Jinping's historic speech.

Ukraine's defense minister, Oleksii Reznikov, seemed to wonder what all the fuss was about.

Ukraine's defense minister asserted that there had been no change in the Russian forces compared with a buildup in the spring; the head of the national security council accused some Western countries and news media outlets of overstating the danger for geopolitical purposes; and a Foreign Ministry spokesman took a swipe at the United States and Britain for pulling families of diplomats from embassies in Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital.

"Today, at this very moment, not a single strike group of the Russian armed forces has been established, which attests to the fact that tomorrow they are not going to invade," Mr. Reznikov said. "That is why I ask you not to spread panic."

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain warned that a Russian invasion of Ukraine could lead to perhaps the worst bloodshed in Europe since the end of World War II and said that Western democracies were united in their determination to prevent such a tragedy.

After speaking with leaders from the United States and Europe on Monday night, he said there was an agreement to "respond in unison to any Russian attack on Ukraine, in unison, by imposing coordinated and severe sanctions, heavier than anything we have; done before against Russia."

Mr. Johnson's comments on Tuesday reflect his desire to position Britain as a player in world affairs, even as he wrestles with a political scandal at home that could force him from office.

The United States has put 8,500 troops on "high alert" to deploy to Eastern Europe. In addition, NATO has dispatched additional ships and fighter jets to the region to reassure anxious allies fearful of Russian aggression.

"We are observing such actions of the United States with profound concern," Mr. Peskov said on Tuesday.

On Monday, in more extensive  comments, Mr. Peskov said the U.S. and NATO were orchestrating "information hysteria" around Ukraine by reporting "lies" and "fakes."

"I would like to note that this is happening not because of what Russia is doing," he said. "It is happening because of what NATO and the U.S. do, because of the information that they spread," he said.

I believe it is worth listening to  Xi Jinping's recent speech. Xi Jinping Rejects 'Cold War Mentality and Calls for Cooperation at World Economic Forum.

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