General of NATO has accused Russia of Donetsk militia command – RBC

General Philip Breedlove

Photo: AP

Commander of NATO forces in Europe, General Philip Breedlove said that the Russian side has organized a militia in the Donbass, and commanded them.

«I have already said, have always said that it is the Russian forces, because we have seen for a long time there [in the Donbass] Russian command and control structure. As you know, in the early stages of the separatists were poorly organized, they do not constitute armed forces. And we almost immediately saw Russia’s efforts to organize these groups, providing them with the means and so on, and so on. So I think that there prevails the Russian command and control “- Breedlove said at a briefing on Thursday.

In this regard, he drew attention to the fact that the US State Department now says about the two forces in the Donets Basin – Russia and Ukrainian.

The general did not respond directly to a question about how many Russian troops, according to NATO estimates, it lies in the east of Ukraine. “We have long ceased to discuss figures. Keep in mind that the border [between Russia and Ukraine] is absolutely and totally porous, wide open. Weapons, food, money, people, equipment all the time moving back and forth across the border, “- said Breedlove.

« We can not be completely sure that Russia will do next, and we can not fully understand Putin’s intentions. We can only learn about them from his actions. And what we see evidence of the growing Russian potential, significant modernization of the army and ambitious strategic intent – he added. – We also know that Putin reacts only to the strength and the weakness of looking for opportunities. We must strengthen our deterrent force to control his tactical intentions ».

In his personal opinion, the goal of the Kremlin’s policy is to divide Ukraine and the West. “And I’m sure he will do – to put pressure on the government in Kiev, until this happens. Mr. Putin wants Ukraine to become a sphere of its influence. He wants the borders of his country was the state, which would not be inclined to NATO. And I am sure that will continue to pressure in this direction, “- said General Breedlove.

Earlier on Thursday at a hearing in the US Senate Committee on Armed Services, he said that the situation in the east of Ukraine remains tense, and the recent rearrangement “pro-Russian forces” may indicate the preparation of the next attack. General pointed out that some of the steps Russia caught the US by surprise, and called for increased exploration in order to better understand the intentions of Vladimir Putin in the region.

The commander urged to leave on the agenda the question of the supply of Ukrainian military defensive weapons to repel the attacks of militia . He noted that these measures, however, have to depend on the current situation in the conflict area.

Breedlove also noted that the Russian military build-up in the Arctic is of growing concern. According to him, these actions do not meet the interests of other states, with access to the region. He stressed that the US military will continue to cooperate with regional organizations to ensure that Arctic security and stability.

Russia has repeatedly denied that its armed forces are involved in the conflict in the Donbass.