Ukraine says Russian troop build up not enough for major attack

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Wednesday that the number of Russian troops deployed along his country’s border was not enough for a major attack.

Kyiv and the West have accused Russia of massing tens of thousands of troops on the Ukrainian border in preparation for a possible invasion and of seeking to destabilise the ex-Soviet country.

“The number of Russian troops amassed along the border of Ukraine and occupied territories of Ukraine is large,” Kuleba said, referring to Moscow-annexed Crimea and separatist-controlled parts of eastern Ukraine.

He told reporters that “it poses a threat to Ukraine” but is “insufficient for a full-scale offensive”.

Kuleba added that Russia is still capable of building up its deployments to “a sufficient level” over time.

His comments come in contrast to those of Kyiv’s Western allies, including the United States, who have warned that Russia may attack at any moment.