US says Russia added more border troops despite recent withdrawal claims

"Every indication we have now is they mean only to publicly offer to talk, and make claims about de-escalation, while privately mobilizing for war. [...]We should expect more false reports from Russian state media over the coming days. We don't know what form the false pretext will take. But we hope the world is ready",

a senior US official declared, as other world leaders also believe that Russia's claims of military withdrawal are not true.

In the opinion of the American officials, an imminent invasion is more than possible, yet Putin has to make a final strategy call.

President Joe Biden also underlined that there is no real proof of troop withdrawal, despite statements coming from Kremlin.

"Our analysts indicate that they remain very much in a threatening position. And the fact remains right now Russia has more than 150,000 troops encircling Ukraine and Belarus and along Ukraine's border”, Biden commented.

Dmytro Kuleba, the Ukrainian foreign minister, also declared that when it comes to Russia's intentions, one must see extensive proof of claims in order to believe official statements.

In the meantime, calls for diplomatic talks are being made by the West, hoping that the current crisis will ultimately be solved without unnecessary conflict.

"We will continue to pursue diplomacy over the coming days while being prepared to respond swiftly and decisively. Russia keeps saying it wants to pursue a diplomatic solution; their actions indicate otherwise. We hope they will change course before starting a war that will bring catastrophic death and destruction", the senior US official added.

Latest statements regarding tensions between Ukraine and Russia come after President Putin has recently declared that some of his troops were called back after completing military exercise in Crimea.

 

Source: cnn.com