Russia is ready to attack Ukraine, but has not yet decided whether to do so, said the head of the German Foreign Intelligence Service (BND) amid escalating tensions between Moscow and Kiev, according to UNN.
"I believe that the decision to attack has not yet been made," the head of Germany's foreign intelligence service, Bruno Kahl, told Reuters in an interview. - "The crisis can develop in different ways," Kahl said, listing as possible scenarios for action, including destabilizing the government in Kiev or supporting militants in the east and advancing the demarcation line.
Kal added: "Given his far-reaching demands, that would be the real takeaway."
Kahl declined to comment on what sanctions should be imposed on Russia in the event of an attack, but he supported Germany's approach of keeping Moscow in the dark about what steps it might be preparing.
He also expressed doubt about the viability of a lasting alliance between Russia and China because the two countries' interests are too different.
"In the long run, the Russian bear will not be comfortable in the claws of the Chinese dragon," Kal reported.
Note that Putin is scheduled to travel to China next month for talks with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, focusing on European security and Russia's dialogue with NATO and the United States.
Russia has concentrated troops near its border with Ukraine but says it has no plans to invade, and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Friday that if it were up to Russia, there would be no war.
The United States has spent weeks trying to negotiate a package of tough sanctions with European partners in case Russia attacks.
