The Washington Post published an article by Guy Taylor devoted to CIA Director John Brennan's recent statement on the ongoing Ukrainian crisis.
" CIA Director John O. Brennan said Tuesday that the Russian military “absolutely” has the capability to invade eastern Ukraine and that only Russian President Vladimir Putin knows whether such an invasion will occur," the article begins.
"I know that many of you would like the CIA to predict the future, such as will Crimea secede and be annexed by Russia, and will Russian forces move into eastern Ukraine? But the plain and simple truth is that virtually all events around the globe, future events, including in Ukraine, are shaped by numerous variables and yet-to-happen developments as well as leadership considerations and decisions,"the official is quoted by the Washington Post as saying.
"Is it possible, does Russia have the capability to move into eastern Ukraine? Absolutely they do. But I think what President Putin and others are doing right now is trying to determine exactly what they believe they need to do, as well as what they’re willing to do in light of such international condemnation of the Russian moves. I guess only Putin knows if he has made that final decision," John Brennan said.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel condemns Russian activities in the Crimea and accuses the country of annexation, Die Zeit writes. "It is now justified to call it an actual annexation, because Russia is trying to take the Crimea away from Ukraine. We should npot allow this to happen," the head of the German governmeent is quoted as saying.
According to Merkel, Germany should remain committed to its multilateral strategy, which means that the country should support Ukraine, but at the same time hold talks with Russia, Die Zeit informs. However, the German Chancellor stresses that Germany should be very firm as far as the European values are concerned.
The new Ukrainian government, the United States and the European Union all think that the coming referendum concerning the legal status of the Crimea is a severe violation of the international law, Die Zeit underlines.
