Russian military build up on Eastern Ukraine border has Kiev on edge and NATO concerned.

The Secretary General of NATO, Fogh Rasmussen, today reiterated his concern over possible Russian aggression in East Ukraine.

“We are very much concerned about the Russian military build-up along the borders of Ukraine […] all NATO allies can be assured of our determination to provide effective defense […] We have all plans in place to provide effective defense of our allies,” He stated at a news conference today.

He also spoke of talks with Kiev on increasing levels of support between NATO and non-member Ukraine.

Despite this, there is a real fear on the ground in Ukraine that Russia will not just stop at Crimea, but continue to invade the east of the country.

Kiev resident Aleksandr (last name withheld), remarks: “People seem to be generally afraid of further Russian invasion and expect it to happen.”

In the face of this he does not believe that the international community would provide support if this happed.

“I don’t think NATO would protect Ukraine. But my opinion probably doesn’t represent majority.”

The comments are backed up by Christopher Miller, the editor of the Kyiv Post. He states:

“Ukrainians here are worried – and rightfully so – that Putin will invade mainland Ukraine, specifically the southern and eastern part of the country, where he has some support. The ethnic Russian population in those places is much higher than elsewhere in the country.”

The fear is that further instability in the east of the Ukraine could provide Russia with a casus belli for an invasion. In a previous story with The Background Noise, a spokesperson for Right Sector, a Ukrainian Nationalist organisation, vowed to “defend” Ukrainians in the east. Since then they have been accused of the shooting deaths of two pro-Russian demonstrators in the city of Kharkiv. Should such violence continue, Russia may feel forced to act.

“[Putin] asked Russia’s parliament to pass legislation allowing him to send troops to Ukraine if necessary to protect Russians living here. It’s possible he could use the recent violence and ongoing unrest in the east and south as justification for sending soldiers to these areas” explains Christopher Miller.

Despite this Russia officially maintains it has no plans to invade eastern Ukraine.

By Michael Cruickshank