US President Joe Biden has vowed to make military action against Ukraine "very, very difficult" for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
According to the Associated Press, US intelligence officials are convinced that Russia is planning a possible attack on Ukraine, which could take place early next year.
A Biden administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the new intelligence passed to Russia indicated that Russia was planning to deploy 175,000 troops, half of whom had already crossed the border into Ukraine. Have been deployed at various places nearby.The new information comes as Russia seeks assurances from the United States that Ukraine will not be allowed to join the NATO alliance.
The U.S. official said intelligence officials had also seen an increase in Russian propaganda through proxy and media outlets to defame Ukraine and NATO before a possible attack.
At Camp David on Friday, President Joe Biden reiterated his concern over Russia's provocations.
"We have been aware of Russia's actions for a long time and I think we are going to have a detailed discussion with Putin," he said.
"If Putin actually carried out such an attack, the consequences would be serious."
U.S. officials and former U.S. diplomats say Vladimir Putin is clearly paving the way for a possible attack, but that Ukraine's military is better armed today than ever before.
Ukraine's defense minister warns of "massive" confrontation with Russia in January (File photo: AFP)
"Threats from the West to impose sanctions on Russia will severely damage the Russian economy."
He says it is unclear whether Putin intends to carry out such a dangerous attack.
Earlier on Friday, President Biden said his administration was taking new steps to stop Russian aggression.
Speaking to reporters, President Joe Biden said, "I do not believe in anyone's red line."
Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials have warned that Russia could launch an offensive next month.
"If Putin really carried out such an attack, the consequences would be serious," Biden said. (File photo: AFP)
Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov told lawmakers on Friday that "94,300 Russian troops are stationed on the Ukrainian border and on the Crimean border with Russia."
He warned that there could be "large-scale" clashes between the two countries in January.
The AP has access to a secret document, according to which US intelligence officials believe that there are 70,000 Russian troops near the Ukrainian border.
