US vs Russia: Military Escalation Around the Corner?

Russia and the West are moving closer to a dangerous escalation, with the two “blocks” stepping up military investments. 

After several rounds of consultation with Baltic countries, the US said it will send about 150 tanks and armoured vehicles in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Poland.  

The troops will train in the countries before leaving, while the equipment will stay behind. The move is part of the so-called Operation Atlantic Resolve. 

Norway underlined the complexity of the situation in former Soviet Union countries.  

“I regret the so-called agreement on alliance and strategic partnership entered into between Russia and the Georgian breakaway region of Abkhazia. Norway will maintain its support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende said on Tuesday, adding that the agreement on closer integration signed by Russia and Abkhazia further complicate the complex in the area.

UKRAINE

Meanwhile, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that sanctions against Russia are meant to stay as long as the situation in Ukraine will not go back to normal.

"The situation in Luhansk and Donetsk remains far from armistice. Therefore, economic sanctions have been and still are inevitable," Merkel said on Wednesday. 

RUSSIA

On Monday, Putin said that Moscow will deploy troops in the Arctic region.   

‘We have taken decisions on improving the armed forces’ composition and structure. For example, starting from December 1, the new united strategic command in the Arctic region will start operation, based around the Northern Fleet. Work is also in steady progress to establish a group of forces in Crimea’ reads the statement.