Biden says he's convinced Russia has decided to invade Ukraine
United States President Joe Biden has said he is convinced that Russian President Vladimir Putin has decided to launch an attack on neighboring Ukraine. Citing assessment based on US intelligence, he added that the invasion could take place in the "coming days." According to Biden, targets of the attack would include the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, "a city of 2.8 million innocent people."
Why does this story matter?
Tensions between Russia and its neighbor Ukraine have been soaring for the past several weeks amid a massive Russian troop build-up along the border. The world's largest country has amassed over 1,00,000 soldiers and advanced weapons near the border but repeatedly denies any plans of invading Ukraine. The conflict arose as Russia has been opposing Ukraine's efforts to join NATO, a US-led military alliance.
'Not too late to de-escalate'
"As of this moment I am convinced that he (Putin) has made the decision," Biden said in a televised statement from the US White House. The attack could come in the coming days or next week, he warned. The US leader, however, insisted that Russia could "still choose diplomacy" and it was "not too late to de-escalate and return to the negotiating table."
Ukraine separatist leaders announce evacuation
Meanwhile, Russia-backed leaders of the separatist areas of Donetsk and Lugansk in eastern Ukraine have announced an evacuation of residents. Leveling a counter allegation, they said Ukrainian forces had intensified shelling and were planning an attack. But Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has dismissed these claims as "Russian disinformation reports." US officials have repeatedly said Russia could create an excuse to begin a war.
Ukraine President to meet leaders in Germany
Adding to the worries, Russian President Putin is expected to oversee major drills of the country's strategic nuclear missile forces on Saturday. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to travel to Germany to meet Western leaders at a security conference. There, he is expected to hold talks with US Vice President Kamala Harris, among other leaders.
