According to USA, Russia has assembled 70% of the military capability needed for a full-scale invasion of Ukraine
The United States (U.S.) has warned that Russia has assembled 70% of the military capability needed for a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in the coming weeks.
It said that warning is based on the intelligence but did not provide any evidence to support its claims. U.S. believes that from mid-February 2022, the ground is expected to freeze, which will allow Russia to move heavy equipment for attack.
The U.S. also said that in case Russia invades Ukraine, more than 50,000 casualties of civilians are expected. It warned that an attack could see the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, fall within days and prompt a refugee crisis in Europe as millions of people will flee.
A senior U.S. official, on anonymity, said that they did not know if the President of Russia – Vladimir Putin had decided to take such a step, adding that a diplomatic solution was still possible. Meanwhile, the Secretary of State, U.S. – Antony Blinken spoke to the Defence Minister of Ukraine – Dmytro Kuleba and assured him of U.S. support.
Taking it to twitter, Blinken tweeted,
I spoke with Ukrainian Foreign Minister @DmytroKuleba about what more we can do to deter Russia’s aggression. We stand with Ukraine and its people, who want peace, and will always support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) February 4, 2022
What’s irking Russia is that U.S. is sending additional troops to Poland and Romina to combat the possible Russian invasion. The President of U.S. – Joe Biden has also announced the U.S. will not send US troops to Ukraine to fight a war.
Meanwhile, the President of Ukraine – Volodymyr Zelensky spoke to the President of European Council – Charles Michel and discussed the chances of restoring peace in the region.
Zelensky tweeted,
Had a phone conversation with @eucopresident. Discussed current situation around 🇺🇦 & its de-escalation within all existing formats. We're making diplomatic efforts to restore peace and continue practical cooperation in all areas. Grateful to 🇪🇺 for the continued support to 🇺🇦
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 5, 2022
With growing nervousness in Eastern Europe over Russia’s build-up, much attention is focused on its placement of thousands of troops in Belarus, which shares a border not only with Ukraine but also with 3 other North Atlantic Treaty organisation (NATO) members which include Poland, Lithuania and Latvia.
Depending on Putin’s ultimate objective, the Russian forces could attack Kyiv directly by moving South from in Southern Belarus. The forces might also enter Eastern and Southern Ukraine if Russia’s intent is to fracture and destroy a large portion of the Ukrainian troops.
