Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted a video on Fb saying the nation was knowledgeable that Russia would assault on February 16, however his workplace has since mentioned he was apparently being ironic.
Throughout the eight-minute video addressing the nation, Zelenskyy mentioned, "We're advised that February 16 would be the day of the assault. We are going to make it the Day of Unity. The related decree has already been signed. On this present day, we'll hoist nationwide flags, placed on blue and yellow ribbons and present the world our unity." Nevertheless, Ukrainian officers say the president was being ironic when he made his feedback in regards to the doable invasion date and that he wasn't being literal, CNN reporter Vaughn Sterling tweeted.
The message from the Ukrainian chief and former comic got here amid considerations that Russia may invade the ex-Soviet nation as extra troops amass alongside the Ukrainian border. President Joe Biden's administration had beforehand warned that an invasion of Ukraine could possibly be imminent, with the Related Press reporting that U.S. intelligence indicated Russia was taking a look at Wednesday because the goal date for an assault, however a supply mentioned they have been unable to verify how definitive the timeline or intelligence was.
"We consider they're ready the place they will invade anytime," a State Division spokesperson advised Newsweek. "President Putin has a alternative earlier than him—diplomacy and de-escalation or extreme prices if he additional invades Ukraine."
The Russian army has greater than 100,000 floor troops close to Ukraine's jap and southern border. Russia even have deployed missile, air, naval and particular operation forces. The AP reported Russia moved six amphibious assault ships to the Black Sea final week to probably ship marines onto the coast.
Pentagon press secretary John Kirby advised reporters on Monday, "We nonetheless do not consider that some ultimate resolution has been made." When requested about Zelenskyy's assertion relating to the February 16 assault, Kirby responded, "I am not going to speak about particular intelligence assessments. I feel you possibly can perceive that."
"We now have mentioned for some time now that army motion may occur any day…I might simply inform you that it's totally doable he may transfer with little to no warning," Kirby added.
The Ukrainian authorities and Zelenskyy have beforehand criticized america for over-emphasizing the hazard of Russia invading the nation, Newsweek beforehand reported.
Following Zelenskyy's assertion, Secretary of State Antony Blinken mentioned america was "within the means of briefly relocating our Embassy operations" from Kyiv to Lviv "as a result of dramatic accelerating within the buildup of Russian forces," The Hill reported.
"I've ordered these measures for one purpose—the security of our employees—and we strongly urge any remaining US residents in Ukraine to go away the nation instantly," Blinken mentioned in an announcement.
Replace 2/14/2022 1:45 p.m.: This story has been up to date to supply extra particulars and background info.
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