The U.S. on Tuesday began referring to Russian troop deployments in eastern Ukraine as an “invasion” because of the situation on the ground. FOX13
as an "invasion" after initially hesitating to use the term — a red line that President Joe Biden has said would result in the U.S. levying severe sanctions against Moscow.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki also alluded to the Russian action as being an invasion in a twitter post commenting on Germany chancellor Olaf Scholz decision to halt the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline in response to Russia’s actions. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia has recognized the rebel regions’ independence "in borders that existed when they proclaimed" their independence in 2014 — broad territories that extend far beyond the areas now under the rebel control and that include the major Black Sea port of Mariupol.
But confusion over what exactly was happening in eastern Ukraine threatened to hobble a Western response. While the U.S. clearly called it an invasion, some other allies hedged. Not all in Europe saw it that way. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares noted "if Russia uses force against Ukraine, sanctions will be massive."
While he said that Russian tanks have already rolled into eastern Ukraine, he warned a full-scale offensive would bring "further powerful sanctions." The bills, which sailed quickly through the Kremlin-controlled parliament, envisage military ties between Moscow and the separatist regions, including possible deployment of Russian military bases in the separatist regions.
Russia President Vladimir Putin made comments on Monday as tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to mount and an invasion could come at any moment. Putin declared that certain regions of Ukraine, which are supported by the Russian government, are now independent from Russia. The Kremlin also released a statement repeating claims of military aggression that Ukraine has repeatedly denied and disputed.
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