Russia has deployed more than 150,000 troops near Ukraine’s borders with “every indication” that they are poised for an imminent attack, Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said during a news conference Wednesday.
“They are ready to go right now,” Kirby said of Russian forces. "The blame for suffering from such an attack will rest solely with Russian President Vladimir Putin ... “It will involve significant casualties and destruction. It will only cause instability on the European continent.”
The strategic movement of Russian forces came as Ukraine was poised to implement a 30-day state of emergency on Wednesday. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had called up military reservists, as Russia recognized two separatist regions as independent and appeared mobilized for major military action.
Zelenskyy said late Tuesday that Ukraine wants "silence" but noted it must act. "But if we remain silent today, we will disappear tomorrow."
Just ahead of Putin's declaration, Ukraine’s president rejected Moscow’s longstanding claim that his country poses a threat to Russia and warns that a looming Russian invasion could cause tens of thousands of deaths.
Speaking emotionally in Russia, he said: “The people of Ukraine and the government of Ukraine want peace. But if we come under attack that threaten our freedom and lives of our people we will fight back.”
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