Biden warns Russian invasion of Ukraine could happen in next several days

President Biden on Thursday said that he believes Russia will invade Ukraine in the next several days, noting that Russia has added more troops to the border.

“Yes, I do,” Biden told reporters when asked if Russia will go through with the invasion. “My sense is it will happen within the next several days.”

He said the threat of a Russian invasion is “very high.”

“Because they have not moved any of their troops out, they’ve moved more troops in, No. 1. No. 2, we have reason to believe that they are engaged in a false flag operation to have an excuse to go in,” the president added. “Every indication we have is they are prepared to go into Ukraine, attack Ukraine.”

A Biden administration official said Wednesday that Russia has added as many as 7,000 troops at the border with Ukraine, characterizing claims by Moscow that it was withdrawing forces as “false.”

The news from the Biden administration directly challenged statements from Russia within the last 24 hours that it has pulled back some forces and are willing to engage in diplomacy. 

Biden said that he does not intend to hold a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The last time the two spoke was Saturday. 

“I have no plans to call Putin right now,” the president said. When asked if he believes a diplomatic resolution is still possible, Biden said “yes.”

Biden also noted that Secretary of State Antony Blinken is addressing the United Nations Security Council on Thursday and plans to lay out a diplomatic path for the Russians.

The Kremlin earlier on Thursday accused the U.S. and NATO of making “unfounded accusations” after officials said Russia has made no effort to withdraw its forces from near the Ukrainian border. 

Russia has also ordered the expulsion of the U.S. Embassy’s second-ranking diplomat in Russia, Deputy Chief of Mission Bart Forman.

Biden administration officials have warned since late last week that Russia has amassed enough troops on Ukraine’s border to launch a military attack at any moment.