Originally Posted by
unmanned_droid
Is Russia actively building forces in the Crimea? Would Russia use it as a stepping off point for an invasion of the Ukraine as a whole, alongside the Donetsk region?
Russia could have invaded Ukraine in 2014 and got to Kiev with ease, a fact well known in the Pentagon. They would have come in from North, East, South and South West. There was no attempt to do so, nor were any forces put on alert to do so.
Poroshenko at moment needs martial law. Presidential election in March 2019 will see him lose heavily. The areas under martial law are all those areas where support is greatest for his opponent. RADA approved martial law for 30 days not the 60 he demanded, he needs to ensure something happens so he can extend the date continuously.
Losing means he will be investigated and likely be going to jail and his empire broken up.