While diplomats leave weapons arrive

January 24, an NSDC meeting was held the escalation with Russia being the main topic. The heads of the key Ukrainian bodies have reported on the State’s comprehensive readiness to resist.

The phrase "everything under control" was the main outcome of the meeting. The NSDC Secretary Oleksiy Danilov urged citizens not to panic. 

According to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, Russian troops in the region currently number about 127,000soldiers. Experts believe this number to be insufficient to launch a full-fledged offensive.

At the same time, the British Foreign Office announced Moscow's intentions to establish a pro-Russian government in Ukraine, led by former MP Yevheniy Murayev. While the latter denies everything, the US intelligence has confirmed such British assumptions.

Washington has allowed its officials to leave Ukraine voluntarily. However, their family members were left with no choice. Exit is mandatory. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry considers such a decision premature.

The UK, Australia and Canada have taken a similar step. London has already recalled some employees of the Kyiv Embassy together with their relatives. At the same time, the diplomatic mission keeps operating, the Foreign Office claims.

In turn, the European Union sees no reason for evacuation, the EU High Representative Josep Borell says. Germany is the only country that may disagree with this position.

In parallel with “Evacuation Operation” aimed at the domestic audience mainly the Western Allies unanimously declare their unwavering support for Ukraine.

Prague has promised to consider the deployment of the Czech contingent on the territory of Ukraine, if such a request is received. The country also plans to send a batch of artillery shells to Kyiv and help evacuate the population in the event of Russian aggression.

The Baltic states will provide Ukraine with Stringer and Javelin missiles.

Ukraine has already received 2,000 units of anti-tank weapons from London, along with 30 elite troops who will train the Ukrainians. 

Trying to strengthen Kyiv's economic stability, Canada promised Ukraine a $120 million loan. Kyiv also expects €1.2 billion in financial assistance from the EU. Planes with lethal weapons are arriving in Kyiv from Washington as part of the promised $200 million in security assistance. Three of them have already visited Boryspil, including 80 tons of weapons recently arrived in Kyiv from Washington.

Experts believe such unanimity of allies to help Ukraine to impose the so-called "war of attrition" on Moscow, instead of the expected "blitzkrieg".

In general, a full-scale offensive by Russia seems unlikely today with experts stressing such scenarios as the escalation of the hybrid war, deterioration of security situation in the Azov-Black Sea region, the escalation of the conflict in eastern Ukraine and terrorist attacks in the unoccupied territories.