Russia’s actions on the Ukrainian border could lead not only to war in that country but to a much wider conflict, the Guardian’s world affairs editor Julian Borger reports from Washington.
Julian writes that the increased deployment of Russian and Nato forces in the region significantly increases the danger of accidents and unintended consequences.
Danny Sjursen, a former army major and director of the Eisenhower Media Network, tells him: “The risk of something going down like a mid-air collision, or a trigger-happy Russian or American, can really escalate things quickly.”
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Summary
Here’s a round-up of the day’s biggest developments from the crisis in Ukraine.
- Ukraine has announced a $592m (£437m) fund to help guarantee the continuation of flights through its airspace after a number of airlines signalled they would begin rerouting flights. The prime minister, Denys Shmygal, said the money would be “allocated to ensure flight safety in Ukraine for insurance and leasing companies”.
- The British defence secretary, Ben Wallace, announced he had cancelled a planned long weekend abroad with his family. He said he had taken the decision because the government was “concerned about the worsening situation in Ukraine”.
- The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, held an hour-long phone call with President Biden. Zelenskiy used the call to urge Biden to increase US support to Ukraine and to visit the country as a show of support.
- On the same call, Biden told Zelenskiy the US would respond “swiftly and decisively” to Russian aggression.
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Ukraine has requested talks with Russia and other members of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe within 48 hours.
- The remaining diplomatic staff in the US embassy in Ukraine have been relocated from Kyiv to the western city of Lviv.
- Canada has temporarily withdrawn its military personnel from Ukraine to an undisclosed location in Europe.
- Boris Johnson is planning to hold more talks with world leaders this week as part of attempts to bring Russia “back from the brink”.
- Newly re-elected German president, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, called on Vladimir Putin to “untie the noose around Ukraine’s neck”.
- US national security adviser Jake Sullivan said the world is “in a window when invasion could begin at any time”.
- Zelenskiy asked to see evidence to substantiate claims by Western leaders that Russia could launch an invasion within days.
- Ukraine received further shipments of anti-aircraft missiles and ammunition from the US and Lithuania.
- Preparations are underway in Poland for a possible influx of refugees from Ukraine.
- More than a dozen countries have now advised their citizens to leave Ukraine or to avoid travel to the country.
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