Interpreter Required Here, Please

"What we can say now is that we do see a battalion-size unit moving, but what we can't confirm is that it is leaving the battlefield. Whether that movement is aft to a less belligerent configuration or returning to barracks, we do not see that."
"We believe that it [the Russian buildup of warplanes, artillery, infantry] can move within 12 hours. Essentially, the force is ready to go. We believe it could accomplish its objective between three to five days."
General Philip Breedwarlove, NATO commander

On the other hand, though NATO's top commander insisted on Wednesday that Russia's 40,000 troops positioned within striking distance of Ukraine are poised to attack on 12 hours' notice, Russian President Vladimir Putin conversely has informed German Chancellor Angela Merkel that the Kremlin was in the process of withdrawing troops from the border near Ukraine.

Nyet, says NATO commander, General Breedlove; thus far a single battalion of 400 to 500 men is moving, but it remains unclear whether it is in the process of withdrawing. The Russian force, according to General Breedlove, represents an impressively threatening array of warplanes, helicopter units, artillery, infantry and commandos with field hospitals and enough logistics to sustain an incursion into Ukraine.

  Mr Lavrov said Russia had the right to move troops within its borders

 

Should the Kremlin ultimately decide to cross the border, he estimates the force could establish a land link to Crimea simplifying the supply route bypassing the sea route. Also vulnerable is the potential for a lightning thrust toward Odessa, moving on then to Transnistria, or alternately, intervening in areas of eastern Ukraine; obviously the possibilities are endless.

For its part, Russia has expressed its own unease at the unfolding of events not under its control. What, exactly, are NATO's intentions, demands Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov: "We not only expect answers, but answers ... based fully on respect for the rules we agreed upon." Denials were swift from NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, that the alliance had broken any agreement.

In his turn, General Rasmussen accused Russia of "violating every international commitment it has made" by its summary annexation of Crimea. And so, he said, NATO has every intention to carry out "collective defence" meant to give protection to member states by reinforcing defences in Eastern Europe.

As well as placing all civilian and military co-operation with Russia in abeyance. While characterizing Russian accusations as "propaganda and disinformation."



And in a bit of farcical comedic bathos, teary-eyed Viktor Yanukovych claimed he remains hopeful that reason will prevail, that he will importune President Vladimir Putin to restore Crimea to the rightful ownership of Ukraine. "Crimea is a tragedy, a major tragedy", said Mr. Yanukovych, expressing regret that he had asked Russia to intervene on his behalf.

Had he harboured the merest inkling of the Kremlin's intentions he would never have left Kyiv. Perhaps he might even have thought better of seeking closer ties to Russia rather than cement economic relations with the European Union. President Putin must be losing a lot of sleep over the loss of trust he has suffered from Mr. Yanukovych.

On the other hand, the acquisition of Crimea and all the infrastructure he has gained will doubtless serve to quell his grief over that unfortunate falling-out.