US: Russia Preparing Full-Scale Attack Within 48 Hours, Intelligence Shared with Ukraine

Amid rising tensions surrounding Ukraine, on the 23rd (local time), armored vehicles were lined up loaded on a train stopped at the Rostov station in Russia, which shares a border. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] The United States has obtained intelligence that Russia is preparing for a full-scale invasion within the next 48 hours and has conveyed this to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Ukraine has declared a state of emergency. This comes just two days after Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized the pro-Russian separatist republics in the Donbas region and ordered a military advance.

According to Newsweek and others on the 23rd (local time), a U.S. official stated, "The Ukrainian president received a warning based on U.S. intelligence that Russia will begin an invasion within 48 hours." The official added, "According to aerial surveillance, Russia briefly violated Ukrainian airspace this morning by deploying reconnaissance aircraft."

A close aide to President Zelensky also confirmed this warning. The official added that Ukraine has received information about large-scale Russian airstrikes three times over the past month.

Currently, U.S. intelligence agencies and the Department of Defense confirm that Russia is capable of airstrikes, cruise missile attacks, and ground invasions.

Another U.S. official predicted that a ground invasion could occur at night following the start of cyberattacks. However, he added that the situation could change. Official websites of the Ukrainian government, including the parliament, foreign ministry, and some banks, were subjected to DDoS attacks on the same day. The perpetrators behind the attacks have not yet been identified. Another official attending the White House National Security Council (NSC) told Newsweek that the situation is "incredibly pessimistic" and predicted an invasion could happen within 24 to 48 hours.

The U.S. Department of Defense also stated that Russia has completed preparations for a full-scale war against Ukraine. A senior Defense Department official confirmed to reporters during a briefing that "80% of Russian troops near the Ukrainian border are ready to advance." Some Russian forces are reportedly located as close as 5 km from the Ukrainian border.

The Ukrainian parliament declared a state of emergency through a vote on the same day. It will apply nationwide except for Donetsk and Luhansk provinces for 30 days starting that night. Depending on future developments, the president may extend it for another 30 days.

The parliament also approved sanctions against 351 members of the Russian Federation State Duma who supported the pro-Russian separatists in the Donbas region and authorized the stationing of Russian troops. The sanctions include entry bans to Ukraine and freezing of assets and business permits.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.