NSA Jake Sullivan declines to comment on US intelligence with regard to Russian invasion, but says "it could begin during the Olympics despite speculation that it would only happen after the Olympics."
Sullivan says an invasion would likely begin with aerial bombing and missile attacks, followed by a ground invasion. Reiterates to Americans that it is time to leave now, while commercial options exist and roads are open. US military will not be sent in for rescues, he says.
"We are not saying a final decision has been made by President Putin," Sullivan says. But "we are in an urgent situation."
"Russia has all the forces it needs to conduct a major military action," he says, "in very short order."
"Russia has all the forces it needs to conduct a major military action," he says, "in very short order."
A Russian attack "could take a range of different forms," Sullivan says. "One of those forms is a rapid assault on the city of Kyiv. That is a possible line of attack...They could also choose to move in other parts of Ukraine as well."
"Any American in Ukraine should leave as soon as possible, and in any event in the next 24 to 48 hours," Sullivan said. "We obviously cannot predict the future...but the risk is now high enough and the threat is now immediate enough that this is what prudence demands."
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