US says Russian invasion of Ukraine could begin during Olympics

By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US on Friday warned that a Russian invasion of Ukraine could begin during the Beijing Olympics which will end on Feb. 20.

"We are in the window when an invasion could begin at any time should (Russian President) Vladimir Putin decide to order it ... It could begin during the Olympics despite a lot of speculation that it will only happen after the Olympics," President Joe Biden's National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said at a press conference.

He said Washington is ready to continue results-oriented diplomacy that addresses the security concerns of the US, Russia and Europe.

Sullivan said if Russia attacks Ukraine, it might begin with aerial bombing and missile attacks, which he said "could obviously kill civilians without regard to the nationality."

"A subsequent ground invasion would involve the onslaught of a massive force," he added.

The national security advisor also called on Americans in Ukraine to leave the country as soon as possible, "and in any event in the next 24 to 48 hours."

There would be no prospect of a US military evacuation in the event of an invasion, he added.