The latest intelligence from the British defence ministry claims that Russia could invade Ukraine without “further warning”. 

The update reads that “Russia retains a significant military presence that can conduct an invasion without further warning”. Further, the tweet includes a map showing possible points of invasion that President Vladimir Putin could opt for. 

Based on an analysis of phases one and two and possible ground movement, British experts stated that Putin “still can choose to prevent conflict and preserve peace”. 

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Like the US, the UK also believes that an invasion of Ukraine is on the cards, and to that end, they’ve evacuated their Kyiv embassy too. Their most recent allegations come on the same day as Liz Truss the UK foreign secretary noted that Russian troop buildup along the Ukraine border has shown no signs of slowing down. 

The US too has stressed that a Russian invasion is imminent and alleged that Putin added 7,000 troops along Ukraine’s borders after claiming that Russia would withdraw troops to deescalate the situation. 

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Initially, Russia locked horns with the US and other NATO countries since it demanded that Ukraine’s entry into the organization be blocked. Russia also wanted a decreased NATO military presence in eastern Europe. However, these demands were quashed by the US, who have sent troops to eastern Europe to bolster support for Ukraine. The Joe Biden-led government has also provided lethal aid to Ukraine, which entails arms and ammunition. 

Also Read | Russia adds troops near Ukraine despite drawdown claims: United States

Though the situation at the Ukrain border continues to grow tenser, leaders are keeping diplomatic channels open. Antony Blinken, the US secretary of the state, spoke to the United Nations (UN) about the Ukraine crisis, saying, “I am here today not to start a war, but to prevent one”, as per CNN. 

Meanwhile, Russia has continued to rubbish claims of a planned invasion and have accused the West of causing hysteria as a pretext to station NATO troops at Russia’s border.