Pentagon: Up to half of the Russian troops concentrated around Ukraine are ready to attack

From 40 to 50% of the Russian troops concentrated around Ukraine are in offensive positions. As UNIAN reports, this was reported by the Sky News channel with reference to a Pentagon representative.

It is noted that the number of battalion tactical groups has increased to 120-125. Each of them, according to Sky News, has between 750 and 1,000 soldiers.

Russia’s concentrated troop strength has risen to nearly 200,000 in recent weeks, according to updated intelligence figures, despite Russian claims that troops are withdrawing.

Earlier, US President Joseph Biden expressed confidence that the Kremlin allegedly decided to “invade” Ukraine.

“We have reason to believe that Russian troops are planning and intend to attack Ukraine in the coming week, in the coming days,” he said. According to the President of the United States, the target could be Kiev.

Earlier, The Sun claimed that Russia’s “invasion” of Ukraine would take place at 3:00 Kyiv time (04:00 Moscow time) on February 16, which did not happen in the end. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that NATO sees no signs of a de-escalation of the situation around Ukraine. Moscow denies the accusations, noting that an attack is not planned, and the troops will return to their places of deployment after the end of the exercises.

The leaders of the self-proclaimed LPR and DPR accused Ukraine of preparing an attack and announced an emergency evacuation of civilians to the Rostov region, as well as the mobilization of those liable for military service. In Kiev, plans for any attacks are denied. At the same time, large-scale military exercises are being held throughout Ukraine.