l********1 发帖数: 1 | 1 9 min ago
New intel adds to US fears that Russia is readying for military action
From CNN's Jim Sciutto in Lviv, Ukraine, and Natasha Bertrand in Munich
A Ukrainian serviceman stands in a shelter on a position at the line of
separation between Ukraine-held territory and rebel-held territory near
Zolote, Ukraine, Saturday, Feb. 19.
A Ukrainian serviceman stands in a shelter on a position at the line of
separation between Ukraine-held territory and rebel-held territory near
Zolote, Ukraine, Saturday, Feb. 19. (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP)
The US has intelligence indicating orders have been sent to Russian
commanders to proceed with an attack on Ukraine, according to two US
officials and another source familiar with the US intelligence.
The intelligence regarding the order to tactical commanders and intelligence
operatives is one of several indicators the US is watching to assess if
Russian preparations have entered their final stages for a potential
invasion.
Other indicators, such as electronic jamming and widespread cyber-attacks,
have not yet been observed, according to some of the sources. The sources
cautioned that orders can always be withdrawn or that it could be
misinformation meant to confuse and mislead the US and allies.
But the news of the intelligence comes after President Biden said on Friday
that he believes Putin has made a decision to invade — a comment echoed by
Vice President Kamala Harris and by Secretary of State Antony Blinken on
Sunday. Blinken said the Russian playbook is “moving forward.”
“We believe President Putin has made the decision,” Blinken said Sunday in
an interview on CNN. “But until the tanks are actually rolling and the
planes are flying, we will use every opportunity and every minute we have to
see if diplomacy can still dissuade President Putin from carrying this
forward.”
The Washington Post first reported on the orders being given.
CNN's Katie Bo Lillis contributed to this report |
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