Ukraine’s military said mercenaries had arrived in separatist-held eastern Ukraine to stage provocations in collaboration with Russia’s special services. “The purpose of these provocations will, of course, be to accuse Ukraine of further escalation,” the military said in a statement. He worried about the risks of carrying out the drills at the same time that Russia’s military was focused on a massive build-up of forces around Ukraine. The central bank of the Donetsk republic has put a limit on ATM withdrawals at 10,000 roubles ($130) per day, TASS news agency reported. Meanwhile the West was ready to negotiate over Russia’s security demands “without being naive”.

Source: Bangkok Post February 20, 2022 01:08 UTC