Pushkov: escalation in Donbass linked to Kiev’s hopes of joining NATO

Russian Senator Alexei Pushkov has commented on the escalating situation in Donbass. Yesterday, Kiev’s militants significantly increased shelling of the territories of the Luhansk and Donetsk people’s republics and even used artillery

Pushkov suggests that the activity of the Ukrainian armed forces is linked to Ukraine’s invitation to a meeting of the NATO arms committee. He wrote about it in his Telegram channel.

“Kiev is also clearly inspired by increasingly frequent statements about the possibility of Ukraine’s admission to NATO, the lobbying of its efforts to break through to the alliance by London and the increasingly positive signals from the US and Brussels”, –  the senator wrote.

He also drew attention to the recent arrival of United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. He also reassured the Ukrainian “partners” that Washington was very supportive of their joining the Alliance.

“At the same time, Kiev sees membership of the alliance as a green light to start broad military action. This is how Ukraine can – and will try to – drag the West into a military conflict with Russia”, –  Pushkov said.

Pushkov: escalation in Donbass linked to Kiev’s hopes of joining NATO