Biden: "Russia's Threat to Invade Ukraine Very High... Possible Within Days" (Update)

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] U.S. President Joe Biden stated on the 17th (local time) that despite Russia's claims of withdrawing some military forces, the possibility of an invasion of Ukraine is "very high." President Biden believes that Russia could attack Ukraine within days.

According to local media such as CNN, President Biden responded to reporters' questions about the level of threat of a Russian invasion of Ukraine by saying, "It is very high because they (Russia) have not moved their troops at all." He explained that Russia has moved more troops to the border area. He also emphasized, "All the signs we know indicate that they (Russia) are ready to enter Ukraine and attack Ukraine."

When asked if he believes an invasion of Ukraine will occur, President Biden replied, "My sense is that it will happen within days."

Earlier, Russia announced that it had withdrawn some military forces from the border area with Ukraine, but the United States and NATO allies have dismissed these claims and instead countered that Russia is increasing its forces.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, after attending a NATO defense ministers meeting in Brussels, Belgium, said at a press conference, "In the past few days, we have seen them increase the 150,000 troops already deployed along the border," adding, "We have seen some of these forces move closer to the border." British Secretary of Defense Ben Wallace also stated, "We have seen an increase of up to 7,000 troops over the past 48 hours."

However, President Biden made it clear that the door to a diplomatic solution remains open.

Regarding Secretary of State Tony Blinken's speech at the United Nations Security Council meeting held at 10 a.m. at the UN headquarters in New York, President Biden explained, "I asked Secretary Blinken to go to the UN and make a statement. He will explain the diplomatic path."

He said, "There is a diplomatic path. He (Secretary Blinken) will explain what that path is," adding, "I also opened the door to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday." However, President Biden added that there are no plans for a phone call with President Putin.

Originally, Secretary Blinken was scheduled to visit Germany from the 17th to the 20th to attend the Munich Security Conference, but his schedule was changed at the last minute due to the UN Security Council speech.