Russia has moved 94,000 troops near border, claims Ukraine

Kyiv (Ukraine), December 3

Ukraine Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov estimated on Friday that Russia has amassed more than 94,000 troops near its borders and said there was a probability of a “large-scale escalation” in late January.

Ukrainian and Western officials recently voiced alarm about a Russian troop build-up near Ukraine, saying they feared it could herald an invasion. Moscow has denied planning to invade and accused Ukraine and its Western backers of fabricating claims to cover up their own allegedly aggressive designs. — AP

Biden warns Putin

Washington: President Joe Biden on Friday vowed to make it “very, very difficult” for Russian President Vladimir Putin to take military action in Ukraine, saying his administration was putting together a comprehensive set of initiatives to curb Russian aggression. Biden offered the measured warning amid growing concern about a Russian buildup of troops on the Ukrainian border. — AP