Posted on 02/18/2022 10:41:59 AM PST by Mariner
Senior U.S. officials pivoted Thursday from warning of the threat that Russia could soon invade Ukraine to the firm expectation the invasion is about to begin.
What they're saying: “If Russia doesn’t invade, we will be relieved that Russia changed course and proved our predictions wrong," Secretary of State Tony Blinken said today. But both he and President Biden made quite clear that they believe Vladimir Putin has chosen war, and Blinken went so far as to present the playbook the U.S. expects Putin to follow.
First, Blinken told the UN Security Council, Putin will need a pretext.
That could involve a "violent event" precipitated by Russia or "an outrageous accusation" against Ukraine, Blinken said.
He cited the possibility of a fabricated terrorist bombing, drone strike against civilians or chemical weapons attack. Blinken also said Russia could falsely claim that "ethnic cleansing or a genocide" is taking place in Eastern Ukraine, or stage the discovery of a mass grave.
The latest: Such claims are already being shared by Russian state media and Kremlin officials, including Putin himself.
Second, Blinken warned "the highest levels of the Russian government may theatrically convene emergency meetings to address the so-called crisis" and proclaim the need to rise up and defend Russian citizens or ethnic Russians in Ukraine.
The latest: Russian media reported today that Putin is holding meetings in preparation for a major address to the federal assembly.
Third, the attack will begin with Russian missiles and bombs across Ukraine, jammed communications and cyberattacks designed to shut down "key Ukrainian institutions," Blinken said.
(Excerpt) Read more at axios.com ...
Forces in place are capable of seizing all of Ukraine in 72hrs.
And that may occur as Russia is quite serious about a security buffer and the only way to ascertain border states do not host western military assets is to have them host yours.
Realpolitik.
I thought we were promised the invasion would be on Wednesday, which was two days ago.
Third, the attack will begin with Russian missiles and bombs
—
he somehow omits the use of the standard Russian opening of massive artillery fire.
Your bet is safe if you believe neither.
Just believe your eyes.
Both are incorrigible liars.
It happened on Wednesday. Didn’t you hear?
It was supposed to be last Wednesday you morons 🤪
Then you’re going to need a buffer zone for your occupied buffer zone!
Yep, 37,000,000 people died.
72hrs?
That might be a little thick.
I would give it about two weeks though. Aside from that. I doubt Putin will go no further than the Dnieper. Or..just take enough to get his clear path to the Crimea.
I still think the big attack will be in the black sea or waters just off the coast of the Ukraine. No civilians out there to worry about and all that.
So it's still imminent?
Not only do I believe Russia will invade, I’m one of those who is astounded they have not already done so.
I’d recommend it at #1 of their strategic goals.
Well when is it going to happen, today, tomorrow, next week??????????
Very CONCERNING. Not to mention TROUBLING.
Hey Blinkin and Brandon: just shut the hell up and be prepared to respond. Hey, I can dream, can’t I?
It's imminent.
“Hey Blinkin and Brandon: just shut the hell up and be prepared to respond.”
No POTUS past, present or future would ever seriously consider military opposition to a Russian “invasion” of Ukraine.
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