Top US general says Russian attack on Ukraine will be ‘horrific’

Gen Mark Milley's comments come as Biden pledges more troop deployment to Eastern Europe

Picture source: AP

A Russian invasion of Ukraine was deemed “horrific” by high-level US General Mark Milley, who said Russia’s hefty fortification of troops at the border was comparable to the number deployed in the Cold War.

Gen Milley, who is the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, made these remarks at a press conference at the US Pentagon on Friday, according to the BBC. Commenting on the nearly 100,000 Russian troops stationed at the Ukrainian border, Milley cautioned that the large number of troops indicated that an attack on Ukraine could have severe results.

On the other hand, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin opined that conflict was avoidable by treating the recent escalation diplomatically, while adding that the US was committed to assisting Ukraine’s self-defence through provision of more weaponry.

Austin stressed, however, that conflict wasn’t necessarily “inevitable” and could be avoided.

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden on Friday said that he would deploy forces to Eastern Europe to enhance the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation’s (NATO’s) presence in the area.

Earlier this week, the Pentagon had indicated that 8,500 troops were ready for combat and were on alert to be sent out immediately if needed.

The US has seen the stationing of troops by Russia at the Ukrainian border as posturing to invade Ukraine.

Russia has explicitly denied an intention to do so and has called for Ukraine not become a part of NATO – a demand that was rejected by the US, who have instead offered a diplomatic approach as a solution towards de-escalation of regional tensions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has alleged that the west, including the US, was not paying heed to Russia’s security concerns. He added that Moscow would observe US response before deciding what to do, according to a Kremlin readout of a call between Mr Putin and French President Emmaneul Macron.

The two leaders agreed pacifying tensions was of prime importance, with President Macron saying that Russia had to respect its neighbouring states’ sovereignty.

The US warning about possible implications of war in Eastern Europe came on the heels of Ukraine’s insistence that the west not aggravate the situation. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told the press a day ago that the statements from “respected leaders of states” was tantamount to causing “panic”, which would cost Ukraine heavily.