Ukraine Round-Up.

News Items (Part 1)

1. Russian troops have entered Ukrainian territory, in what U.S. officials have called an invasion of the European country. Since October, Russia has been building its military presence on its border with Ukraine. Military analysts and Western officials warn of a full-scale assault that could lead to the worst conflict in Europe since World War II. In photos, videos and maps, The Washington Post walks through how the situation on the ground is unfolding, starting with the most recent events. It’s an excellent report. (Source: washingtonpost.com)

2. President Putin reinforced his theme of patriotic military nostalgia earlier today, reviving memories of battles against Western invaders going as far back as 1612 to underscore his determination to remake Europe’s security architecture and bar Ukraine from joining NATO. In a speech greeting war veterans on Russia’s Defender of the Fatherland Day, he warned that Moscow’s demands for security guarantees “remain unanswered.” Putin added that while Russia was open to dialogue, “the interests of Russia, the security of our citizens, are nonnegotiable for us.” He said the international order is fraught with dangers for Russia and pledged to keep developing advanced weapons such as hypersonic missiles, citing NATO military activity. (Source: washingtonpost.com)