Tapper: White House Concerned Russia Could Invade Ukraine as Soon as This Weekend

Mediaite ^ | March 21,2014 | Noah Rothman |

[Hojczyk]

Quoting unnamed administration officials, CNN host Jake Tapper revealed that the White House is “concerned” that Russia could invade South and East Ukraine “possibly as soon as this weekend.” He said that, in spite of Russia’s assurances that the large numbers of troops and military equipment amassed along the Ukrainian border are there merely for training exercises, the White House believes that Moscow could be planning a broader incursion into Ukraine.

“There is now real apprehension that Vladimir Putin could push even further into Ukraine, perhaps as soon as this weekend,” Tapper said. He quoted anonymous administration officials who are “concerned” that the Russians are not being honest when they claim that the troops stationed along the Ukrainian border are not preparing for an invasion.

Russian officials have assured the administration that they are only conducting military exercises. “But, Obama administration officials have received intelligence suggesting there is reason to be skeptical of Russia’s claims,”Tapper continued, “and that Russia, as soon as in the coming days, could use any number of pretexts to justify pushing its military incursions deeper into Ukraine.”

The CNN host added that such an invasion could be carried out by Russia so quickly that Western nations would barely have the opportunity to “raise objections” over it.

[forgotten man]

In my Eastern European War brackets I pick Russia to invade and beat Ukraine. Crimea is not connected by land to Russia. The Russians will want a land bridge from Crimea to Russia. They will need it for gas lines, oil pipelines, roads, etc.

[Hoodat]

WWRD?

Something like this.

[ctdonath2]

Why do you think the President ordered all the aircraft carriers into home port? Clue: his Secretary of State was a pro-USSR advocate.

[Izzy Dunne]

Kerry in charge? Why does that not comfort me?

Don't sweat it. Biden's there in case JFK needs help.

[gwjack]

You are spot on. I read a foreign publication which was reporting “issues” in Kherson and Donetsk. Looking at road maps of the area, it seems to me that the major “European Highway” running on the South of Ukraine to Russia would be a good supply route for the RF. The Spetznatz, along with titushkys are already in place.

Gwjack

[mac_truck]

He quoted anonymous administration officials who are “concerned” that the Russians are not being honest when they claim that the troops stationed along the Ukrainian border are not preparing for an invasion.

Someone tell Ms. Nuland to take a Midol.

[dfwgator]

And Florida is now a basketball school.

[Farmer Dean]

Kerry in charge?The thought terrifies me.Lurch at the wheel of the Ship of State,the guy couldn't organize a two car funeral.

[Farmer Dean]

Putin probably has some pics of Barry in action at the bathhouse.

[faithhopecharity]

oh my, what a thought!?

[Jane Long]

White House Concerned Russia Could Invade Ukraine as Soon as This Weekend

[dfwgator]

So? What are they going to do about it?

[gov_bean_ counter]

Crazy, eh?

[dfwgator]

[Always A Marine]

Putin would have been derelict if he had not occupied Crimea before it fell into NATO hands; that action was a rational and purely defensive reaction to the West-aided coup against his ally in Kiev. Anyone familiar with the old NATO war plans for Southern Europe knows about all the military facilities Russia has there and understands why the Black Sea is vital to Russia's strategic defense.

On the other hand, I doubt Putin wants to occupy the hostile western half of Ukraine because it would always be a hotbed of unrest -- and he doesn't need it. But the Russia-leaning eastern half of Ukraine is a different story, and I will be surprised if he doesn't take it right away in order to broaden Russia's direct access to the Black Sea.

[Vermont Lt]

Why worry. You aren’t gonna do anything about it. What is there to worry about?

[dfwgator]

[Vermont Lt]

Does anyone still have an intact bracket?

Dayton? Really?

[goldstategop]

You can see it here:

[InvisibleChurch]

unnamed administration officials

Hmm, how does some one go through life without a name? Must be tough.