US warns Europe that Russia may plan to invade Ukraine
- Ukraine says Russia has moved about 90,000 troops not far from its border
- Russia’s deputy UN ambassador says Moscow won’t invade unless provoked
With Washington closely monitoring a build-up of Russian forces near the Ukrainian border, US officials have briefed EU counterparts on their concerns over a possible military operation, according to multiple people familiar with the matter.
The assessments were believed to be based on information the US has not yet shared with European governments, which would have to happen before any decision is made on a collective response, the people said. They are backed up by publicly available evidence, according to officials familiar with the administration’s thinking.
On Thursday, Russia’s deputy UN ambassador said that Moscow would never invade Ukraine unless it was first provoked by its neighbour or someone else.
Dmitry Polyansky was responding to a question about the buildup of troops, which has led to stepped up US pressure and an assurance Wednesday from Secretary of State Antony Blinken to the Ukrainian foreign minister that the American commitment to Ukraine’s security and territorial integrity is “ironclad” and will not change.
Polyansky cited what he called many threats from Ukraine and provocative actions by US warships in the Black Sea.