“We would not characterize what we are seeing as de-escalating,” were the words used by Pentagon spokesman John Kirby when responding to numerous reporter inquiries related to the Russian build-up along the Ukraine border.
Kirby explained this in clear terms, saying that the Pentagon stands by its assessment that Russia currently operates as many as 100,000 troops along the border region. He further elaborated upon this comment by saying the escalation was worsening through a host of Russian activities clearly intended to improve his forces readiness to attack at any time.
“We have been long saying that in addition to the combat capability that Putin continues to add, he has also increased his logistics and sustainment, aviation support and medical support.
We have seen him provide that sort of capability such as field hospitals, doctors and other things you would need to do to take care of troops in the field,” Kirby told reporters, in response to one question about whether Russia was moving “blood” to the border region to prepare for injured forces. When asked about estimates regarding the potential timing of an invasion, Kirby stressed that the Russian force has enough massed capability such that it could attack at any moment.
“Does that mean an invasion is imminent? We look at a mosaic of information and we believe he has enough capability to move now if he wants to. He could move imminently at any time,” Kirby explained.
