Russia is getting ready for a significant army escalation, probably focusing on NATO nations subsequent yr, President Volodymyr Zelensky mentioned on Feb. 14.

Talking on the Munich Safety Convention, Zelensky mentioned that Russia plans to deploy 15 divisions, totaling 100,000 to 150,000 troops, primarily in Belarus, a Kyiv Unbiased journalist reported from the occasion.

Whereas the buildup might deal with Ukraine, he cautioned that Russian forces would possibly shift towards Poland or the Baltics, elevating issues a couple of broader battle with NATO.

"Based mostly on all the data I've gathered from intelligence and different sources, I feel he (Russian President Vladimir Putin) is getting ready for battle in opposition to NATO nations subsequent yr," Zelensky mentioned, however added he "can’t be 100% sure."

"Identical to in 2022, they might transfer ahead in direction of Ukraine, or they might go to Poland or the Baltics. And I consider that is his concept," he mentioned .

"God bless, we’ll cease this loopy man," Zelensky added.

In a Feb. 12 interview with The Guardian, Zelensky underscored that Europe's safety relies on Ukraine's continued resistance to Russian aggression.

Based on Zelensky, Ukraine fields 110 brigades, whereas Russia has 220 brigades and plans to develop to 250 this yr. Europe, together with U.S. troops stationed there, has solely about 82 fight brigades.

Ukraine's army consists of 880,000 troopers, tasked with defending the whole nation in opposition to the 600,000 Russian troops concentrated in particular areas, the president mentioned on Jan. 15

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