> needless escalation, when part of Ukraine is occupied by Russia?
The occupation of Ukraine is something that's only happening as of just now. Before that, the situation in Ukraine was much more akin to a civil war. The escalations by the Ukrainian government have been happening since the beginning of this whole thing.
Crimea was occupied by Russian forces in February. Military hostilities in mainland Ukraine started in April when Sloviansk has been captured by Russian ex-FSB officer Igor Girkin and his gang of Russian ultranationalists.
Russia is offensive in their actions and defensive in the words covering it up.
Would you like to provide examples of Ukraine's unfounded allegations against Russia?
Would you like to explain how this is needless escalation, when part of Ukraine is occupied by Russia?