Ukrainian President Vladimir Zlansky has received a warning from US President Joe Biden that Russia is preparing to invade Ukraine on a full scale within 48 hours. Biden relied on information from U.S. intelligence, and according to a report on the Newsweek news site, Pentagon intelligence assessments speak of an invasion that would include air, sea and ground attacks.
The US source told Newsweek: “The president of Ukraine has been warned that in all likelihood, according to US intelligence, Russia will start invading within 48 hours.” In addition, the same source said, “Observations on planes showed that Russia had penetrated Ukraine’s airspace earlier today, and that short-haul reconnaissance planes were flying over Ukraine.” The same source said the planned Russian invasion would also be aimed at the capital Kiev.
If Biden’s warning is not enough, Ukraine suspects that a cyber attack was aimed at government sites in Ukraine: the sites of the government legislature, the government cabinet, the Foreign Ministry, Ukraine’s security services and a number of different government agencies have stopped operating.
⚠️ Confirmed: #Ukraine‘s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Security Service of Ukraine and Cabinet of Ministers websites have just been impacted by network disruptions; the incident appears consistent with recent DDOS attacks ???? pic.twitter.com/EVyy7mzZRr
— NetBlocks (@netblocks) February 23, 2022
“Hopefully a diplomatic solution will be found that will lead to calm and is ready to mobilize for it”
Earlier today, a Foreign Ministry spokesman posted on his Twitter account the official and first Israeli response to the tense situation between Russia and Ukraine, without mentioning Russia. “Israel shares the international concern over the steps in eastern Ukraine and the severe escalation in the situation, hopes that a diplomatic solution will be found that will lead to calm and is ready to mobilize for it, if requested.
Israel supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. The State of Israel also cares for the well-being of thousands of Israeli citizens living in Ukraine and its large Jewish community.
Israel is prepared to transfer immediate humanitarian aid to Ukraine in accordance with the needs that may arise, and is holding a dialogue with the authorities in the country. “Israel is continuing a close dialogue with its partners on ways to get the diplomatic effort back on track.”