Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russia would invade his nation on Wednesday. The statement, however, after making world news was backtracked only hours later.
It was later clarified that he was referring to media reports on the situation and that February 16th was not an absolute concrete date of the invasion.
“We are told that February 16 will be the day of the attack,” the Ukrainian President said in a Facebook video posted Monday. “The president referred to a date that was spread by the media,” said Zelensky’s spokesperson.
Reports from CNBC indicate that Russia has moved large amounts of long-range artillery to the border shared by the two nations. As of right now, more than 10,000 U.S. troops have been stationed in Europe as a part of a NATO reaction force that will respond if Russia invaded any farther than Ukraine.
Initially, President Biden had claimed that America’s response to an invasion would include only harsh sanctions on Russia, but that no American lives would be risked in Europe. Clearly, a change in plans has occurred.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken has warned any Americans who may reside within Ukraine that the invasion could begin at any time, including during the Olympics.