U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says a Russian invasion of Ukraine “could begin at any time.”
During a press conference in Australia, Blinken explained the United States “continues to see very troubling signs of Russian escalation, including new forces arriving at the Ukrainian border,” as Axios reported.
He continued, “And as we’ve said before, we’re in a window when an invasion could begin at any time. And, to be clear, that includes during the Olympics.”
Blinken said the United States is “continuing to draw down our embassy. We will continue that process. And we’ve also been very clear that any American citizens who remain in Ukraine should leave now.”
President Joe Biden made similar comments during an interview with NBC News’ Lester Holt set to air on Super Bowl Sunday, as IJR reported.
Holt asked Biden, “What scenarios would [send] American troops to rescue and get Americans out?”
Biden responded, “There’s not. That’s a world war when Americans and Russians start shooting at one another. We’re in a very different world than we’ve ever been in.”
The host then asked Biden if he would send U.S. troops to Ukraine “on behalf of simply evacuating Americans.”
“No. How do you do that? How do you even find them?” Biden said.
He added, “I’m hoping that if, in fact, he’s foolish enough to go in, he’s smart enough not to do anything that would negatively impact on American citizens.”
Additionally, Biden urged Americans to leave Ukraine “now.”
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said at a news conference the “number of Russian forces is going up,” adding, “The warning time for a possible attack is going down.”
The New York Times noted Russia continues to dismiss the suggestion that Russian President Vladimir Putin is preparing for an all-out invasion.