Russia’s offensive in Ukraine is likely to be imminent, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on Sunday.
“We’re in the window,” Sullivan said in an interview with “Fox News Sunday.” “Any day now, Russia could take military action against Ukraine either a few weeks from now, or Russia could choose to take a patriotic course instead.”
Sullivan appeared in a few morning news programs to discuss the ongoing situation in Eastern Europe.
His appearance comes after two US officials said Russia had used about 70% of its military capabilities believed it would need to fully invade Ukraine. The number of battalion tactics in the border region has risen to 83 from 60 from Friday and another 14 are on the way, according to Reuters.
“We believe that the Russians have been able to launch a major military campaign in Ukraine and we have been working hard to prepare a response,” Sullivan told NBC “Meet the Press.”
The attack method can take different forms, Sullivan told NBC. Potential attacks could include the Donbass region of Ukraine, cyberattacks or full-scale attacks.
“One of the reasons we have worked so hard over the last few months is not just to prepare for an emergency but also to prepare for all the events and to work with our partners and colleagues on what the response will look like in each case. conditions, ”says Sullivan.
The US and its allies have made it clear that the nations will react violently if Russia begins an attack. The US, for example, has threatened to crack down on Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The timeline for diplomatic negotiations may be reduced.
“We believe there is a good chance Vladimir Putin will order an attack on Ukraine,” Sullivan told ABC “This week.”
In the event of a full Russian invasion, thousands of civilians and soldiers could be killed, according to Reuters.
Ukraine could injure 5,000 to 25,000 soldiers, the report said, quoting a US official. The casualties of the Russian military are between 3,000 and 10,000, and civilian casualties can range from 25,000 to 50,000, according to US estimates. It could also cause the millions of Ukrainians to be deported.
Sullivan on Sunday did not comment on the figures but warned of the impact on Ukraine.
“If they choose to go down a steep climb, it will come at a huge cost to the people of Ukraine. But also, we believe that, in the long run, it will come at the expense of real strategies for Vladimir Putin,” Sullivan told ABC.