UNITED STATES: The White House said Wednesday that a Russian invasion of Ukraine could happen at any time, as President Joe Biden announced plans to send Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Tony Blinken to the Munich conference to meet world leaders and unite them against Moscow.
Jen Psaki, White House Press Secretary, predicted that an attack could happen at any time.
“We’re in a window where we believe an attack could happen at any time,” Psaki said, adding that the attack would be preceded by a false pretext that the Russians would use as a justification to launch an invasion.
“We’ve talked about it a little here, and we’ve seen these tactics used before.”
“These could include, but are not limited to, the report you just cited, claims of provocation in Donbass, false state media reports,” she said. “I think you should all, everyone should keep their eyes open and be aware of potentially fake videos and accusations about chemical weapons or accounts of attacks on Russian soldiers that did not occur.”
In response to a question, Psaki told reporters that a variety of false flags and pretexts could lead to an invasion.
Harris and Blinken are now on their way to Germany to attend the Munich security conference, which will take place from February 18 to 20.
“She will build on the President’s and the national security team’s intensive engagement with European allies and partners, reaffirming our shared interest in upholding the principles that have underpinned European peace and security,” Psaki said.
“She will participate in the conference’s formal program as well as engage with allies and partners and meet with leaders on the margins,” the press secretary said.
The Kremlin has repeatedly denied any plans to attack Ukraine but has demanded that NATO never admit Ukraine or other ex-Soviet countries as members and that the military alliance reduce troop deployments in former Soviet bloc countries.
“What the President expects and knows, given she is the first in the room and the last in the room, is that she will continue to convey to the rest of the world our ironclad commitment to our NATO allies, our commitment to defending Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, and our commitment to imposing severe economic consequences should Russia invade,” she said.
“Earlier in the day, Secretary of State Blinken stated that Russian troops remain massed along the border in a very threatening manner,” Psaki stated. Meanwhile, she added that the door to diplomacy was still open.
Also Read: Ukraine-Russia Political Tensions: Russia Sees Room for Diplomacy
