UKRAINE: 3 Questions - 3 Answers, Part 1: What's going on?

Around the current conflict in Ukraine, we receive many questions from concerned citizens. In the coming days, we will answer the most common ones here.

First to respond is Brigadier Philipp Eder. He heads the Department of Military Strategy at the Ministry of Defense.

The Bundesheer Expert's Opinion:

Russia is allowed to establish its own military bases in the "People's Republics of Donetsk" and "Luhansk". Is this an invasion or military support with peacekeeping troops?

Russia is creating illegal military facts in another country. This is clearly an invasion of military forces from one state into another state. The "People's Republic of Donetsk" and "Luhansk" are part of Ukraine. This is therefore a war, also known as an "international armed conflict" in international law.

Legally, Russia could have sent troops for military support only upon invitation from the elected government of Ukraine. However, Russia was not invited by Ukraine, but rather invaded Ukraine with robust military forces.

What role will tanks play in this conflict?

Armored vehicles have been playing a role for weeks now. On one hand, they symbolize Russia's robust military power at the border with Ukraine as a psychologically effective threat gesture. On the other hand, Russian forces are currently marching into the two rebel areas ("People's Republics of Donetsk" and "Luhansk") with battle tanks, armored personnel carriers, tank artillery, and armored support vehicles. These vehicles have high firepower, mobility even off-road, and provide the highest available protection for deployed soldiers.

Is it not legitimate for Russia to defend itself against NATO?

NATO is a defense alliance, an attack on Russia is not possible, as NATO does not have the military forces available in Europe. What we are witnessing now is Russia's attack on Ukraine, which is not a member of NATO. No troops from NATO countries will be deployed in Ukraine.

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