FARGO (KFGO) – U.S. and NATO officials continue to warn that, despite Russia’s claims of a draw-down, the likelihood of a Ukraine invasion remains very high.
Minnesota Senator Tina Smith says that a diplomatic path remains open.
“But Russia must de-escalate and they are not doing that. In fact there is intelligence data that shows that they are still moving troops towards the front with Ukraine,” she added.
Smith says there is consensus on the Biden Administration’s strategy.
“The United States is united not only with our NATO allies in Europe, but also Democrats and Republicans here in Congress are united behind the strategy as we stand up to this aggression,” she said.
“It is important for people to fully understand that the United States isn’t going to war. We have some troops in the surrounding NATO countries, like Belarus for example, but they are there only as a deterrent and there are no U.S. forces in Ukraine. However, if Russia, which is an autocratic regime, and is threatening the sovereignty of this independent country of Ukraine, were to go forth and invade, which would be a terrible mistake, then they will face severe sanctions,” Smith said.
U.S. officials said Moscow has added 7000 troops along the Ukrainian border, some arriving as recently as Wednesday.
