US Urges Russia to Explain 'Ukraine Provocation'... Tensions Rise

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] The United States has expressed concern over Russia's provocative military actions, including armed clashes near the Ukraine border, and has called for an explanation.

On the 5th (local time), the U.S. State Department labeled the buildup of Russian troops and military activities near the Ukraine border as "provocations" and requested the Russian government to provide an appropriate explanation.

State Department spokesperson Ned Price stated in a briefing that the U.S. is concerned about Russia continuing activities that threaten Ukraine, whether on its own territory or within Ukraine.

Price said that Russia's recent military actions violate the ceasefire agreement, similar to the attack by pro-Russian separatists last July that resulted in the deaths of four Ukrainian soldiers.

In the eastern Donbas region of Ukraine, where pro-Russian separatists demanding independence and the Ukrainian government forces have been engaged in a seven-year conflict since 2014, clashes have recently increased again. This year alone, about 20 Ukrainian government soldiers have died due to attacks by pro-Russian separatists in the Donbas region.

Price urged Russia to refrain from actions that escalate the conflict.

This statement came after U.S. President Joe Biden promised "unwavering support" to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a phone call regarding the rising military tensions with pro-Russian separatist forces in eastern Donbas.

White House spokesperson Jen Psaki warned, "We are closely monitoring Russia's recent invasion and escalation in eastern Ukraine."

Josep Borrell, the European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, also pledged firm support for Kyiv after a phone call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

Borrell emphasized on Twitter, "We are seriously concerned about Russia's military activities around Ukraine," adding, "The EU will continue to support Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity." He also noted that this issue will be discussed at the upcoming EU foreign ministers' meeting scheduled for the end of this month.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.