Biden adviser says Russia could invade Ukraine at any time

Biden’s national security adviser Jake Sullivan said Sunday that the US believes Russia will invade Ukraine this week but still hopes diplomacy can prevail.

Sullivan said to CNN’s Jake Tapper, that Russian forces are in a place where an invasion could take place before the end of the Beijing Winter Olympics, which end on February 20. He said that “major military action could start by Russia in Ukraine at any time.”

“The way they built their forces, the way they maneuvered things, makes real the distinct possibility that there will be major military action very soon,” Sullivan said.

“We are prepared to continue working on diplomacy, but we are also prepared to respond in a united and decisive manner with our allies and partners if Russia proceeds,” he added.

Sullivan made those remarks a day after President Joe Biden warned Russian President Vladimir Putin of “quick and severe costs” if he ordered an invasion.

The US estimates that Russia has more than 100,000 troops near the Ukrainian border, with thousands added this week, according to a government official. On Saturday, the US withdrew some of its forces from Ukraine and ordered the evacuation of most of its embassy staff in the country.

Sullivan had previously warned Americans in the country to get out of there immediately, as military action could begin with an aerial bombardment that could kill civilians.

He reiterated these appeals to Jake Tapper, saying that a military strike would likely begin with missiles and bombs.

“They are never as accurate as the army would like them to be. We don’t even know how accurate the Russian army would like them to be,” Sullivan said. “Innocent civilians can be killed regardless of their nationality. This would be followed by an attack by a ground force moving across the Ukrainian border,” he stated.

“Again, it would be where innocent civilians could get caught in the crossfire or trapped in places they couldn’t move. That’s why we’re being so clear and direct with American citizens that while commercial transportation options are still available, they should take advantage of them.”