US says Russia can invade Ukraine ‘any time’

The United States’ national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, has warned that Russia could invade Ukraine “at any time.” According to Sullivan, it is “very, very possible” that Russia will carry out the invasion before the end of the Winter Olympics in China, which are due on February 20.

Sullivan stressed that the US is not sure whether Russian President Vladimir Putin has already decided to invade, but that the Americans are preparing for the worst-case scenario. This includes a “rapid attack” on the Ukrainian capital Kiev.

“If a Russian attack on Ukraine takes place, it will likely begin with air and missile strikes, which could naturally lead to civilian deaths,” Sullivan told reporters in Washington. “Every American in Ukraine should leave the country as soon as possible, at least within 24 to 48 hours.” Earlier on Friday, the US had already decided to send an additional 3,000 troops to Poland to assist NATO allies in Europe.

On Friday, more and more countries called on their citizens in Ukraine to leave the country. Great Britain, Canada, Norway, Denmark, Estonia and Latvia, among others, made that appeal. Dutch people in Ukraine are advised not to postpone any departure until the last minute. The Dutch ambassador in Kiev, Jennes de Mol, emphasizes that the Netherlands will not evacuate people from Ukraine if the conflict escalates.