Why does the US think Russia will invade Ukraine in the coming days? - BBC Newsnight

Russia has positioned some 150,000 troops close to Ukraine's borders, according to US President Joe Biden and now the Ukraine defence ministry.

They include about 30,000 troops taking part in military exercises in Belarus, and are equipped with everything from tanks and artillery to air power and naval support.

US officials say Russia has the troops in place to invade Ukraine "at any time".

But Russia denies it is planning an attack and accuses the West of hysteria.

Newsnight’s Diplomatic Editor Mark Urban reports from Kyiv.

He’s joined by the US Ambassador to Nato Julianne Smith.

#Newsnight #BBCNews #BBC

Newsnight is the BBC's flagship news and current affairs TV programme - with analysis, debate, exclusives, and robust interviews.

[apt-get]

I really love how a handful of people can make life hell for everyone else for no reason at all. Hierarchy of authority is an inherently broken system human beings stupidly and blindly follow like cows to the slaughter, every time.

[AmericanAntiCorruptionAct]

"War is rich old men protecting their property by sending middle class and lower class young men off to die. It always has been." - George Carlin

[SirEnzo]

this is right out WW2 Germany's book. Blame the invaded for attacking first as an excuse for invading (Nazis and Poland).

[TheSunflowerGalaxy]

"The mere existance of Ukraine 🇺🇦 is a fundamental blow to the Russian system and Putin's beliefs."
This sums up the multi-generational relationship between the two very well.
Слава Україні! 🇺🇦

[DavidJ]

Imagine if you had a neighbor who was constantly threatening to break into your house and take your life, AND your house.
That's what countries borderingRussia have to deal with on a regular basis.

The Russian people should liberate themselves from that tyrant in the Kremlin whoMurders Russian journalists for sport.

If Russia sees Ukrainians as their brothers, why have theyKilled more than 14 thousand of them? With brothers like that, who needs enemies.
Long live Ukraine!!! 🇺🇦 🇺🇲

[jakemckee]

I won't be naive to think it won't happen, but I'm open to the probability that it will fade out eventually.

[timkahn]

this is not about picking ukrain over russia . its about picking not allowing any nation to cross boarders and take over some other nation.

[steviegr]

Praying for the safety of all Ukrainians, at their hour of peril...

[TheRussianTroll-]

I hate all these Russian bots in this comment section. That's my job and they took it from me! Like what the hell?!

[vandeseroy]

Just make sure no airplane flying above airspace.RIP MH17

[billwong]

European countries should fight like old days Roman fought their leaders against each other to death. Don’t use the young man and children to fight. Young people always get the short end.

[DavidJ]

Never trust a weird looking ex-KGB agent turned tyrant, who is shorter than a Hobbit on his knees.🤣

[j.erwich]

It’s because they themselves will act as if and than can profit from the sanctions.

[bobbobbers]

100 seconds to midnight seems generous.

[milon]

Peaceful Resolution 。
War gives no good results for everyone

[MegaLangosta]

I'm starting to get suspicious that they're just selling this from both sides.

[muckraker]

Something to do with the 180k Russian troops amassed on the border, the largest troop movement since WWII.

[liminalradiofm]

reminds me of the impossible Austro Hungarian ultimatum that started ww1

[Savetheplanet]

2022 and Russia still playing war games. Amazing.

[albertdalton]

In the States that's all we've heard for the last 3 weeks. "Russia is going to invade any day now."