Russia has large enough forces at Ukraine’s borders to invade the entire country

“We do not think Vladimir Putin has decided to invade Ukraine, but he has enough troops and equipment to carry it out,” Austin told a news conference on Friday.

– Conflict is not inevitable. There is still room for diplomacy, and US authorities support these attempts, he says.

See clips from the press conference at the top.

– War means huge civilian losses

Both Austin and Secretary of Defense General Mark Milley are clear that diplomacy is the only way to success.

– A full-scale war here will mean huge losses for the civilian population, Milley says.

Russian President Vladimir Putin believes that the West has not taken Russia’s concerns seriously.

Russia demands, among other things, guarantees that Ukraine will not become a member of NATO, and perceives NATO’s escalation of military forces and exercises near the borders of former Soviet states as provocations.

Intense diplomacy is taking place these days to find a way to de-escalate the level of conflict in the region.

– Do not spread panic

During a press conference on Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky tried to calm the situation.

– When you read the media, it gives the impression that we are at war, that we have soldiers in the streets, that we are mobilizing. It is not correct. We do not need this panic, he says, but continues to emphasize the seriousness of the situation.

“The biggest danger for Ukraine now is the destabilization of the situation within the country,” he said.

–