Russia already has 70 percent of the forces needed to invade Ukraine, say USA – SME.sk

WASHINGTON. Mask it has about 70 percent of the combat force it believes would need it for a large-scale invasion of Ukraine, Reuters reported, referring to two US officials.

Moscow is sending more troops to the border with its western neighbor.

Over the last two weeks, the number of tactical groups in the border area has increased from 60 to 83 and another 14 are moving, said representatives for the Reuters agency provided that anonymity is maintained with regard to the sensitivity of the information.

Regarding the timing of the invasion, officials said the maximum level of land freezing is expected around February 15, which will allow Russian troops to more easily transit through the field. Such conditions will last until the end of March.

This timetable and the growing number and potential of Russian forces near Ukraine could indicate that the window of diplomacy is closing.

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U.S. officials have not provided evidence to support their estimates.

Washington believes that Russia can choose other options than a complete invasion, e.g. limited penetration, and do not think the president Vladimir Putin has already made a final decision.

If Russia invaded the capital Kiev, it could succumb in a few days. A complete invasion would require great loss of life, one official said.

Ukraine could lose 5,000 to 25,000 troops, while the losses of Russian troops could range from 3,000 to 10,000. According to US estimates, civilian casualties could reach 25,000 to 50,000.

A complete invasion would also spur millions of people, Washington said.