DOD: Russia Continues Military Build-up Along Ukraine Border

[link to www.defense.gov]
Russian troops have moved closer to the border with Ukraine and continue to build their military capabilities in the region, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said today.
Russia continues to maintain at least 10,000 troops near the Ukrainian border, Kirby said. “It’s difficult to pin it down to a specific number but they continue to be reinforced.”
Kirby said the Russian troops are in combined arms battalions and constitute “very capable, very ready” forces.
“And as I've said before, they are close to the border -- within 50 kilometers of the border.”
And, “just as critically, the Russian government continues to support the separatists in eastern Ukraine,” the admiral said.
Kirby announced the Obama administration has asked Congress for authority to spend $19 million next year to train and equip Ukrainian National Guard forces to build capacity for internal defense.
Currently, U.S. forces continue to exercise in Central and Eastern Europe to reassure allies of America’s commitment to the region in the face of Russian expansion, Kirby said.

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