US intelligence agencies expect massive Russian military action

Ukrainian soldier

Ukraine had only warned of a possible attack by Russia on Friday.

(Photo: AP)

Washington US President Joe Biden has announced comprehensive measures to make it more difficult for Russian President Vladimir Putin to invade Ukraine. “I will put together a comprehensive and meaningful package of initiatives that will make it difficult for Mr. Putin to do what many fear,” Biden told reporters before leaving for Camp David, without going into details.

Regarding the demands made by Russia, Biden said: “I do not accept red lines from anyone.” A video conference between the two heads of state is expected in the next few days.

According to matching media reports, US secret services expect an imminent Russian military operation on the Ukrainian border with up to 175,000 soldiers. The “offensive” could begin early next year, reported the Washington Post and the New York Times on Saturday, citing documents from the US secret services and government officials.

The intelligence agency findings showed that Russia was preparing for a massive attack on Ukraine, the officials said. However, it is unclear whether Russian President Vladimir Putin actually wants to attack Ukraine.

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According to the information, artillery, tanks and other heavy equipment will also be set up at various locations along the Ukrainian border with the relocation of the soldiers. The analysis is based in part on satellite images that showed “newly arrived units” along the border in November, it said.

USA threatens Russia with sanctions in the event of an attack

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had accused Russia of preparing an attack just a few days ago. “We are deeply concerned about evidence that Russia has plans to take significant aggressive steps against Ukraine,” said Blinken. The US government has threatened Moscow with massive sanctions in the event of an attack, which would be implemented together with allies.

Ukraine had only warned of a possible attack by Russia on Friday. “The most likely time for escalation readiness is the end of January,” said Defense Minister Olexy Resnikov. He named a number of 94,300 Russian soldiers who could be ready for it. It is a “probable scenario” that does not have to occur.

According to the US reports, the government in Washington is currently assuming around 70,000 Russian soldiers on the Ukrainian border. Russia annexed the Ukrainian Black Sea peninsula of Crimea in 2014 after the elected Ukrainian government was violently overthrown in Kiev. Since then, rebels supported by Moscow have been fighting in the east of the country against the now pro-Western government in Kiev.

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