State Department says it has never given exact dates for Russia's “invasion” of Ukraine
Ned Price. Photo: US Embassy in Russia
The United States has refused to indicate the exact dates of the allegedly impending Russian “invasion” of Ukraine. According to US State Department spokesman Ned Price, Washington has never given an exact date for the start of the escalation, RIA Novosti reports.
I don't think you heard us from some podium pointing out the exact day of the “invasion”. For a while you hear us trying to get across that Russia has created the ability to attack at any time.
Ned Price, U.S. State Department Spokesman
Price added that the failed “invasion” does not mean that US intelligence received incorrect data.
Earlier it became known that the Russian invasion of Ukraine expected by Western media on the night of February 16 did not happen. The Russian troops continued to retreat to their places of permanent deployment, the command announced the completion of joint exercises with the Belarusian armed forces.
Following this, The Sun edited an article about the Russian invasion, stating that the night passed without incident. The Mirror also acknowledged the absence of an invasion.
As reported by Politico newspaper, US President Joe Biden called February 16 the day of the alleged offensive. The British editions of The Mirror and The Sun spoke not only about the day, but also the time of the attack of the Russian troops – 04:00 Moscow time (03:00 Kiev time).
On February 3, The New York Times and The Washington Post wrote that US intelligence had found evidence that Russia was planning to fabricate a pretext to invade Ukraine. According to them, on February 3, Moscow was allegedly supposed to show a fake video that would show Ukrainian provocations on Russian territory or against the Russian-speaking population in eastern Ukraine.
Information of the publication was cited with reference to unnamed by name and position of high-ranking representatives of the US presidential administration. At the same time, they admitted that “the sources did not provide any direct evidence of the Russian plan” and details of its receipt.
On January 14, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki revealed the possible timing of Russia's so-called invasion of Ukraine. A spokesman for the US presidential administration, without providing evidence, indicated that this could begin from mid-January to mid-February.
US concern over Ukraine has not abated
Ned Price said that US concern about the situation around Ukraine “has not diminished one iota.” He stressed that Russia continues to pull troops to the border, Washington does not see a de-escalation.
I want to make it very clear that our concern has not diminished one iota. In fact, our concern continues to grow given that we have not yet seen a de-escalation … We are actually seeing an escalation
Ned Price, U.S. State Department Spokesman
According to a State Department spokesman, Russian troops are in positions that will allow them to “be deployed for an unprovoked invasion” at any time.
Price added that the Russian Ministry of Defense video about the withdrawal of Russian military equipment from the borders with Ukraine needs to be confirmed, there are many ways in which this can be done.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki also said that the United States continues to observe the concentration of Russian troops on the border with Ukraine.
The Russian Armed Forces have completed part of the military exercises. The units of the Southern and Western military districts began to return to their bases by rail and road.
