Russia is preparing an attack on Ukraine with the participation of up to 175,000 troops as early as next year, the Washington Post claims in a report yesterday, following fears expressed by Kyiv about such a possibility.

Moscow is preparing to launch “100 battalions consisting of regular units with an estimated strength of 175,000 men, as well as tanks, artillery, and other equipment,” a senior US official told the US newspaper on condition of anonymity.

Asked by AFP, the US Department of Defence declined to comment on sensitive intelligence but said it was “very concerned” by reports that Russia was planning to launch an offensive against Ukraine.

“We continue to support de-escalation in the region and a diplomatic resolution to the conflict in eastern Ukraine,” Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Tony Semelroth said.

Russian forces are currently massing at four points, with 50 battlefield tactical groups deployed in addition to the fresh arrival of tanks and artillery, the Post said, citing an unclassified US intelligence document.

The movement to and from the border is meant to make any tactical moves murky and cause uncertainty, the Post said, citing its sources.

US President Joe Biden earlier in the day said he was preparing fresh policies to halt any Russian plans to invade Ukraine after both Washington and Kyiv reported that Moscow had massed troops near its border.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov estimated that Russia has around 100,000 troops near the border. Russia denies any military build-up.

“The most likely time to reach readiness for escalation will be the end of January,” Reznikov said.

Following a visit with his Russian counterpart on Thursday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Washington had “deep concerns about Russia’s plans for renewed aggression against Ukraine.” He warned Moscow of “serious consequences” if Russia “decides to pursue confrontation.”

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