Headline: Ukraine accuses Russia of escalating invasion, estimates 520,000 Russian soldiers on Ukrainian soil
Article:
The Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, General Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, has accused Russia of ramping up its military presence in Ukraine, alleging that the number of Russian invaders has surged to over 520,000.
Syrskyi, the President of Ukraine, has echoed these sentiments, stating that the Russian invasion has reached its highest level since the conflict began. This comes as tensions continue to escalate between the two nations, with Russian forces continuing to shell Ukrainian towns and cities.
According to officials, the estimated 520,000 Russian soldiers are spread across Ukrainian territory, with significant concentrations in the southern and eastern regions. This marks a significant increase from earlier estimates, which put the number of Russian troops at around 240,000.
The Ukrainian government claims that Russia is attempting to gain strategic control over key infrastructure, including ports and communication hubs, in order to exert control over the country. This has sparked concerns among international leaders, who fear that the conflict could escalate further if not addressed.
The EU has issued a statement condemning Russia’s actions, calling them "unacceptable and unjustified". The US has also chimed in, with a spokesperson expressing "grave concern" over the growing military presence in Ukraine.
The latest developments come as Ukraine attempts to shore up its defenses, with government officials urging citizens to remain calm and to report any suspicious activity. Amidst the chaos, humanitarian agencies are scrambling to provide aid to those affected, with reports of widespread destruction and displaced persons mounting.
As the situation in Ukraine continues to deteriorate, tensions between Russia and the West show little signs of easing. The international community remains gravely concerned about the potential for a wider conflict, and is urging dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the crisis. However, with the Russian military presence in Ukraine reaching unprecedented levels, it remains uncertain when, or if, a peaceful solution may be reached.
The Guardian: Number of Russian invaders in Ukraine surge to 520,000 says Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi