Duma deputy calls on Russia to deploy troops to Ukraine
A member of the Russian parliament has called on the Defense Ministry to send troops to Ukraine. Roman Khudyakov, a right-wing member of the Duma, says the move is necessary, given the threat posed by the conflict in Ukraine to Russia’s national security.
In an appeal to Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu, Khudyakov stressed that Russia must defend its “fraternal people” in eastern Ukraine, accusing Kiev and the West of attacking “Russian peacekeepers” (sic).
Vladimir Putin’s press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, said he had no knowledge of Khudyakov’s request, adding that Moscow has no current plans to deploy troops to Ukraine.
“The Internet is full of evidence that tons of American and European military equipment is piling up at the borders with the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics, as well as at the border with Russia. [...] You hear more English than Ukrainian or Russian,” Khudyakov said.
- Since the start of the war in eastern Ukraine, the US has supplied Kiev with body armor, night-vision equipment, radios, medical kits, and other non-lethal equipment and machinery. Washington has also agreed to provide military training to soldiers in Ukraine’s National Guard. Great Britain and Poland are also preparing to send military trainers to Ukraine.
- Ukraine has repeatedly accused Russia of deploying its troops inside Ukraine, while Moscow has consistently denied these accusations. That said, figures within the self-proclaimed People’s Republic of Donetsk have acknowledged that Russian soldiers are fighting with them, supposedly while on leave from active duty.