US Presidential National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has said that Russia can attack Ukraine in various forms, including the annexation of Donbas.
He said this on the air of several American media outlets, reports "European Truth" citing CNBC.
"We believe the Russians have created opportunities for a significant military operation in Ukraine, and we are working hard to prepare a response," Sullivan said.
The form of attack could take many forms, he noted. Possible attacks could include an annexation of Ukraine's Donbass, cyberattacks or a full-scale invasion.
"Part of the reason why we've been working so intensively over the last few months is not just preparing for one emergency, but preparing for all contingencies and working with our allies and partners on what the response would look like in each of those cases," Sullivan said.
In an interview with ABC, Sullivan said there is a "very clear" possibility that Russia will attack Ukraine "at any moment."
"We believe there is a very strong possibility that Vladimir Putin will order an attack on Ukraine. It could take many forms. It could happen either tomorrow or in a few weeks," the adviser said.
"Putin has put himself in a position with the deployment of troops to be able to act aggressively against Ukraine at any moment," he added, stressing that the United States is cooperating with allies and continues to insist on diplomacy.
Sullivan said the United States is prepared to respond regardless of Russia's decision.
"If they choose instead to go down the path of escalation, it will come at a huge human cost to the Ukrainians. But we believe, in time, it will come at a real strategic cost to Vladimir Putin," he said.
Earlier, Reuters reported that Russia has about 70 percent of the combat power it believes it would need for a full-scale invasion of Ukraine and is sending additional battalion tactical groups to the border.
