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U.S. Official Warns Russian Could Invade 'Any Day,' As Ukraine Still Sees Talks More Likely

Updated
White House national-security adviser Jake Sullivan also said the United States was not sending troops to NATO allies to start a war with Russia or fight a war with Russia in Ukraine. (file photo)
White House national-security adviser Jake Sullivan also said the United States was not sending troops to NATO allies to start a war with Russia or fight a war with Russia in Ukraine. (file photo)

White House national-security adviser Jake Sullivan has said Russia could invade Ukraine within days or weeks but also that Moscow could choose diplomacy to resolve tensions over Russia's military buildup near Ukraine.

Sullivan made the comment in an interview on February 6 on U.S. television after a Ukrainian presidential adviser insisted the chance of resolving soaring tensions with Russia through diplomacy remained greater than that of an attack and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba warned against believing "apocalyptic predictions."

But Sullivan, speaking on Fox News as U.S. troops arrived in Poland said: "We are in the window. Any day now, Russia could take military action against Ukraine, or it could be a couple of weeks from now, or Russia could choose to take the diplomatic path instead."

Any possible Russian action could include annexing Ukraine's Donbas region, cyberattacks, or a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, he said in a separate interview on ABC the same day.

Mykhaylo Podolyak, the adviser to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, said in a statement that Russia had been conducting large-scale troop rotations, maneuvers, and weapon deployments on a regular basis "to ensure constant massive psychological pressure" since massing forces at Ukraine's borders a year ago.

"For our intelligence service and our armed forces, this Russian activity comes as absolutely no surprise," he said.

"How long will such Russian activity last and for what purpose is it maintained? Only the Kremlin can know the exact answer to this question," he said.

Zelenskiy has previously pushed back on U.S. assertions that a Russian invasion was imminent, and Kuleba on February 6 issued a similar message.

"Different capitals have different scenarios, but Ukraine is ready for any development," Kuleba said on Twitter. "Today, Ukraine has a strong army, unprecedented international support and Ukrainians' faith in their country."

The U.S. State Department also used Twitter to reiterate its message about diplomacy.

"We've laid out a diplomatic path. We've lined up steep consequences should Russia choose further aggression," it said on February 6. "We've stepped forward with more support for Ukraine's security and economy. And we and our allies and partners are united across the board."

Meanwhile, a large contingent of U.S. troops landed in Poland on February 6 as part of a reinforcement to the NATO ally.

Paratroopers from the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division landed at Rzeszow Airport in southeast Poland.

The division's commanding general told reporters at the airport the deployment was a "prudent measure" and "defensive in nature."

The extra troops "are here to enhance the readiness, interoperability across all domains with our Polish allies and, if necessary, defend any portion of NATO," Major General Chris Donahue said. "Obviously, during this period of uncertainty we know that we are stronger together."

In Photos: New Images Capture Russia Massing Weaponry Around Ukraine

In Crimea, a new deployment of troops and equipment is visible at the Oktyabrskoye airfield north of Simferopol on February 10.
1/24 In Crimea, a new deployment of troops and equipment is visible at the Oktyabrskoye airfield north of Simferopol on February 10.
Satellite photos from February 10 and earlier show a massive Russian buildup of military hardware, reportedly including ballistic-missile systems. Some of the buildup is in Belarus, not far from the Ukrainian border.
Armored vehicles of a new deployment are visible in Slavne on Crimea's northwest coast on February 9.
2/24 Armored vehicles of a new deployment are visible in Slavne on Crimea's northwest coast on February 9.
Satellite photos from February 10 and earlier show a massive Russian buildup of military hardware, reportedly including ballistic-missile systems. Some of the buildup is in Belarus, not far from the Ukrainian border.
Equipment and new deployments are visible in Novoozernoye, Crimea, on February 9.
3/24 Equipment and new deployments are visible in Novoozernoye, Crimea, on February 9.
Satellite photos from February 10 and earlier show a massive Russian buildup of military hardware, reportedly including ballistic-missile systems. Some of the buildup is in Belarus, not far from the Ukrainian border.
A new deployment of troops, vehicles, and helicopters was identified on February 10 at the Zyabrovka airfield near Homel, Belarus, less than 25 kilometers from the border with Ukraine.
4/24 A new deployment of troops, vehicles, and helicopters was identified on February 10 at the Zyabrovka airfield near Homel, Belarus, less than 25 kilometers from the border with Ukraine.
Satellite photos from February 10 and earlier show a massive Russian buildup of military hardware, reportedly including ballistic-missile systems. Some of the buildup is in Belarus, not far from the Ukrainian border.
An overview of deployment areas near Rechytsa on February 9. Rechytsa is in Belarus's southeastern Homel region, some 55 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
5/24 An overview of deployment areas near Rechytsa on February 9. Rechytsa is in Belarus's southeastern Homel region, some 55 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
Satellite photos from February 10 and earlier show a massive Russian buildup of military hardware, reportedly including ballistic-missile systems. Some of the buildup is in Belarus, not far from the Ukrainian border.
Armored vehicles and transporters arrive at Russia's Kursk training area on February 9, about 100 kilometers east of Ukraine.
6/24 Armored vehicles and transporters arrive at Russia's Kursk training area on February 9, about 100 kilometers east of Ukraine.
Satellite photos from February 10 and earlier show a massive Russian buildup of military hardware, reportedly including ballistic-missile systems. Some of the buildup is in Belarus, not far from the Ukrainian border.
Multiple battle groups and troop housing areas are visible at the Kursk training area on February 9.
7/24 Multiple battle groups and troop housing areas are visible at the Kursk training area on February 9.
Satellite photos from February 10 and earlier show a massive Russian buildup of military hardware, reportedly including ballistic-missile systems. Some of the buildup is in Belarus, not far from the Ukrainian border.
Six SU-25 ground-attack aircraft are shown at Luninets airfield in Belarus. The image was taken on February 4. Luninets is in the southwestern Brest region, about 50 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
8/24 Six SU-25 ground-attack aircraft are shown at Luninets airfield in Belarus. The image was taken on February 4. Luninets is in the southwestern Brest region, about 50 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
Satellite photos from February 10 and earlier show a massive Russian buildup of military hardware, reportedly including ballistic-missile systems. Some of the buildup is in Belarus, not far from the Ukrainian border.
Probable S-400 air-defense deployments at the Luninets airfield on February 4.
9/24 Probable S-400 air-defense deployments at the Luninets airfield on February 4.
Satellite photos from February 10 and earlier show a massive Russian buildup of military hardware, reportedly including ballistic-missile systems. Some of the buildup is in Belarus, not far from the Ukrainian border.
Probable SS-26 Iskander and multiple-rocket launchers deployed northwest of Yelsk on February 4. Yelsk is in Belarus's Homel region, about 20 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
10/24 Probable SS-26 Iskander and multiple-rocket launchers deployed northwest of Yelsk on February 4. Yelsk is in Belarus's Homel region, about 20 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
Satellite photos from February 10 and earlier show a massive Russian buildup of military hardware, reportedly including ballistic-missile systems. Some of the buildup is in Belarus, not far from the Ukrainian border.
Troops and logistics-material-support units northwest of Yelsk on February 4.
11/24 Troops and logistics-material-support units northwest of Yelsk on February 4.
Satellite photos from February 10 and earlier show a massive Russian buildup of military hardware, reportedly including ballistic-missile systems. Some of the buildup is in Belarus, not far from the Ukrainian border.
A troop-housing area and vehicle park in Rechytsa on February 4.
12/24 A troop-housing area and vehicle park in Rechytsa on February 4.
Satellite photos from February 10 and earlier show a massive Russian buildup of military hardware, reportedly including ballistic-missile systems. Some of the buildup is in Belarus, not far from the Ukrainian border.
A cluster of vehicles that reportedly includes truck-launched Iskander missile systems at the Osipovichi military training area, just south of Minsk. The image was taken on February 1. 
13/24 A cluster of vehicles that reportedly includes truck-launched Iskander missile systems at the Osipovichi military training area, just south of Minsk. The image was taken on February 1. 
Satellite photos from February 10 and earlier show a massive Russian buildup of military hardware, reportedly including ballistic-missile systems. Some of the buildup is in Belarus, not far from the Ukrainian border.
A wider view of the Osipovichi military facility on February 1. Russian-made Iskander missiles are capable of precise strikes on targets up to 500 kilometers away. 
14/24 A wider view of the Osipovichi military facility on February 1. Russian-made Iskander missiles are capable of precise strikes on targets up to 500 kilometers away. 
Satellite photos from February 10 and earlier show a massive Russian buildup of military hardware, reportedly including ballistic-missile systems. Some of the buildup is in Belarus, not far from the Ukrainian border.
An overview of vehicles and housing for troops near Baranovichi, Belarus, on January 29. Russia has placed troops and equipment inside Belarus in recent days as the countries prepare to hold joint military exercises.
15/24 An overview of vehicles and housing for troops near Baranovichi, Belarus, on January 29. Russia has placed troops and equipment inside Belarus in recent days as the countries prepare to hold joint military exercises.
Satellite photos from February 10 and earlier show a massive Russian buildup of military hardware, reportedly including ballistic-missile systems. Some of the buildup is in Belarus, not far from the Ukrainian border.
A crowded military base in Bakhchisaray on the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula on February 1. 
16/24 A crowded military base in Bakhchisaray on the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula on February 1. 
Satellite photos from February 10 and earlier show a massive Russian buildup of military hardware, reportedly including ballistic-missile systems. Some of the buildup is in Belarus, not far from the Ukrainian border.
Massed vehicles at a military base in Novoozernoye, Crimea, as photographed by satellite on February 1. 
17/24 Massed vehicles at a military base in Novoozernoye, Crimea, as photographed by satellite on February 1. 
Satellite photos from February 10 and earlier show a massive Russian buildup of military hardware, reportedly including ballistic-missile systems. Some of the buildup is in Belarus, not far from the Ukrainian border.
Military tents and armored vehicles in Yevpatoria, Crimea, on February 1.
18/24 Military tents and armored vehicles in Yevpatoria, Crimea, on February 1.
Satellite photos from February 10 and earlier show a massive Russian buildup of military hardware, reportedly including ballistic-missile systems. Some of the buildup is in Belarus, not far from the Ukrainian border.
An older satellite image shows snow-dusted Russian military vehicles parked in Yelnya, Russia, on January 19. Yelnya is in Russia's northwestern Smolensk region, around 120 kilometers from the border with Belarus and 260 kilometers from Ukraine. 
19/24 An older satellite image shows snow-dusted Russian military vehicles parked in Yelnya, Russia, on January 19. Yelnya is in Russia's northwestern Smolensk region, around 120 kilometers from the border with Belarus and 260 kilometers from Ukraine. 
Satellite photos from February 10 and earlier show a massive Russian buildup of military hardware, reportedly including ballistic-missile systems. Some of the buildup is in Belarus, not far from the Ukrainian border.
Armored personnel carriers and trucks at Klimovo on January 19. The Klimovo military storage facility is located just 35 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. 
20/24 Armored personnel carriers and trucks at Klimovo on January 19. The Klimovo military storage facility is located just 35 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. 
Satellite photos from February 10 and earlier show a massive Russian buildup of military hardware, reportedly including ballistic-missile systems. Some of the buildup is in Belarus, not far from the Ukrainian border.
Tents and housing for Russian troops in Yelnya on January 19.
21/24 Tents and housing for Russian troops in Yelnya on January 19.
Satellite photos from February 10 and earlier show a massive Russian buildup of military hardware, reportedly including ballistic-missile systems. Some of the buildup is in Belarus, not far from the Ukrainian border.
Russian tanks and artillery-support equipment, some of which was apparently in use recently, parked in Yelnya on January 19.
22/24 Russian tanks and artillery-support equipment, some of which was apparently in use recently, parked in Yelnya on January 19.
Satellite photos from February 10 and earlier show a massive Russian buildup of military hardware, reportedly including ballistic-missile systems. Some of the buildup is in Belarus, not far from the Ukrainian border.
Military equipment massed at the Klimovo storage facility on January 19. Older imagery <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Klimovo,+Bryansk+Oblast,+Russia/@52.346282,32.1680393,567m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x46d4a0d137ad6257:0x7ea4add83a2b92ac!8m2!3d52.3763189!4d32.2005574" target="_blank"><strong>from Google Maps of the same location</strong> </a>shows a fraction of the military vehicles present.&nbsp;
23/24 Military equipment massed at the Klimovo storage facility on January 19. Older imagery from Google Maps of the same location shows a fraction of the military vehicles present. 
Satellite photos from February 10 and earlier show a massive Russian buildup of military hardware, reportedly including ballistic-missile systems. Some of the buildup is in Belarus, not far from the Ukrainian border.
Military hardware at a railway yard in Klimovo on January 19. Recent videos have captured massive amounts of military hardware <strong><a href="https://twitter.com/RALee85/status/1483373599977259009" target="_blank">being transported by rail</a></strong> in western Russia.&nbsp;
24/24 Military hardware at a railway yard in Klimovo on January 19. Recent videos have captured massive amounts of military hardware being transported by rail in western Russia. 
Satellite photos from February 10 and earlier show a massive Russian buildup of military hardware, reportedly including ballistic-missile systems. Some of the buildup is in Belarus, not far from the Ukrainian border.
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The West accuses Russia of preparing for a possible invasion of Ukraine. Moscow has denied this, saying that it only wants to ensure its own security and accusing NATO of belligerent behavior.

British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said Russia's actions show that its claims that it has no plans to invade were false and said the depths of Russian attempts to subvert and threaten Ukraine were clear.

"We and our allies stand united in support for Ukraine and our resolve to raise the cost to Russia if they take further action," she said on Twitter.

Truss's tweet linked to one from The Washington Post on U.S. assessments of Russia's plans.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
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