Secretary of State Antony Blinken made a last-minute visit to the United Nations Security Council on Thursday, after intelligence indicated Russia is moving closer to an invasion of Ukraine. Despite Russian reports of troop withdrawals, U.S. intelligence suggests Russia has done the opposite, sending an additional 7,000 troops to Ukraine’s borders.
“The most immediate threat to peace and security is Russia’s looming aggression against Ukraine,” Blinken told the council. “This is a moment of peril for the lives and safety of millions of people.”
“Our goal is to convey the gravity of the situation. The evidence on the ground is that Russia is moving toward an imminent invasion,” United Nations Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield tweeted.
Thursday morning, Russian officials responded to a letter from the United States, threatening military escalation if their demands are not met.
“In the absence of the readiness of the American side to agree on firm, legally binding guarantees to ensure our security from the United States and its allies, Russia will be forced to respond, including through the implementation of military-technical measures,” the letter stated.
“It’s unfolding right now, today, as Russia takes steps down the path to war and reissued the threat of military action,” Blinken said in response to the letter.
“Every indication that we have is that they are prepared to go into Ukraine, attack Ukraine,” President Biden said ahead of a scheduled trip to Ohio. “My sense is it will happen within the next several days.”
The State Department confirmed the U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission to Russia, the second highest ranking American in Russia, was expelled from the country.
Officials in the United States are still working toward a diplomatic solution but admit it is becoming less likely.
“It will be clear to the entire world that he started a war with diplomatic options left on the table,” Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Thursday, Feb. 17. “It will be Mr. Putin who will bear the responsibility for the suffering and the immense sacrifice that ensues.”
Blinken has requested a meeting with Russia’s Foreign Minister to discuss a diplomatic solution.
