France's foreign minister said Monday that everything is in place for a quick invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops, adding that Europe is ready to impose sweeping sanctions if that happens.

"If the question is whether the elements are in place for a large Russian troop offensive in Ukraine, it is true. It is possible and fast," Jean-Yves Le Drian told France 5 television.

He added that this assessment is shared by Paris and its allies, although there is nothing to indicate that Russian President Vladimir Putin has made such a decision.

"It blows, it's hot, it's cold," he said, suggesting that Russia is leaving "the door open" for dialogue.

Asked whether sanctions are ready in case Russia attacks, Le Drian said yes, and they would be massive, even if they also affect like a "boomerang effect" on Europe.

The minister stressed that it was important to continue dialogue in order to avoid a catastrophic conflict that would damage all sides.

Recall that two European diplomatic sources reported that the United States told its allies last Friday that one scenario was that Moscow might launch an offensive this Wednesday, February 16.