When Russia began its “hybrid” war in the Donbas, I had a discussion with a colleague, a well-known Moscow journalist, about the likelihood of a real war — complete with the unconcealed introduction of regular troops, the use of aviation, and an offensive on Kyiv. My colleague, who was very familiar with attitudes in the corridors of the Kremlin, told me that such a war could begin only in one instance — the arrival of NATO troops on Ukrainian soil. This Russia would never allow!
Russia's War Against Ukraine
Ukraine-U.S. Relations
OP-ED
Vitaliy Portnikov: NATO in Kyiv
A U.S. Armed Forces military unit marches on Independence Square during a parade to mark Ukraine\'s 26th Independence Day in Kyiv on Aug. 24.
