US President Joe Biden has set February 16 as the date for Russia's "invasion" of Ukraine. The corresponding statement was made by the head of state during a video conference with the leaders of Western countries, the European Union and NATO, writes Politico, citing US officials.
The publication says that "Russia will begin a physical attack on Ukraine as early as February 16." Washington is said to have told allies that "it could be preceded by a succession of missile strikes and cyberattacks." Confirmation of these statements in the material is not given.
According to the publication, the Europeans were skeptical about American intelligence.
“The Europeans have signaled that they have a different picture. A British official said "we have a different interpretation" of the February 16 intelligence. Two EU diplomats were even more skeptical. One said they "still refuse to buy it," the post said.
Earlier, Bloomberg, citing officials, reported that the United States believes that the Russian Federation could allegedly attack Ukraine on February 15. According to the agency, Russia may attempt a provocation in the Donbas or try to capture Kiev.
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said that Russia could attack Ukraine at any moment, including during the Olympic Games.
The story of a possible “Russian invasion” of Ukraine has been actively promoted in the West since mid-autumn last year. The US has consistently pointed to a supposed increase in Russia's presence near Ukraine's borders, threatening Moscow with new sanctions if it escalates. At the same time, the Kremlin has more than once directly denied any plans to attack Ukraine, on the contrary, pointing to the possible preparation of a military operation in the Donbass by Kiev.
bbabo.Net