Breedlove: Russian offensive possible

WASHINGTON – The top U.S. commander for NATO says Russian forces have used a recent lull in fighting in Ukraine to reposition for a possible offensive. “Many of their actions are consistent with preparations for another offensive,” Philip Breedlove told the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee on April 30. Gen. Breedlove, commander of the U.S. European Command, said the situation in Ukraine is “volatile and fragile.” He said Russia is “aggressively applying all elements of national power – diplomatic, informational and economic, as well as military.” Gen. Breedlove said “it would not make sense” for Washington to “unnecessarily” take any of its options – including providing weapons to Ukraine – off the table. Gen. Breedlove had said in March that the West should consider using all its tools to help Ukraine in its fight against Russian-backed separatists, including sending defensive weapons. (RFE/RL, based on reporting by the Associated Press and eucom.mil)