‘Risk of invasion’: Russia’s chilling move as threat of war with Ukraine looms

An alarming, stealthy move by Russia has heightened fears that an invasion of Ukraine is “imminent”, with war now all but certain.

The threat of war is looming over Europe. Pictures: AFP/Getty Images

Reports that Russia has quietly moved blood supplies near Ukraine’s border has heightened fears that war is imminent.

Tensions between the two nations have been mounting for months, with Russia amassing troops and tanks on its borders, sparking concerns of a looming invasion.

Now, there’s been another chilling indication of Russia's intentions, with several publications revealing blood supplies had also been moved, suggesting Russia is preparing for violence and casualties.

Reuters broke the news on Sunday, after three US officials claimed the blood supplies were intended to treat the future wounded, and proving Russia was “clearly” ready to make a move, with more than 100,000 troops now in position.

The claim was backed up by CNN, with two “senior US defence officials” telling the network the blood was organised by Russia as part of its preparation for a potential invasion.

However, one source said while the blood supplies alone were not proof, the supplies coupled with other indicators suggested Russia was seriously beefing up its capabilities.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has downplayed Russia’s aggression. Picture: Alexey Nikolsky/Sputnik/AFP

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian government has hit back at the blood supply claim as it continues to minimise war talk in an apparent bid to protect Ukraine’s economy from the impact of war panic.

“This information is not true,” Ukraine’s Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar posted in a statement on Facebook in response to the claims.

“Such ‘news’ is an element of information and psychological warfare. The purpose of such information is to spread panic and fear in our society.”

Demonstrators display a banner in the colours of the Ukrainian flag reading ‘Stop Putin, Stop War’ during a protest at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate on January 30. Picture: John MacDougall/AFP

But a White House official told CNN that Ukraine’s contradictory actions were potentially dangerous, as it meant the nation was not properly prepared for any action.

“We understand the difficult position (Ukrainian) President (Volodymyr) Zelensky is in and the pressure he’s under,” the official told the network.

“But at the same time he’s downplaying the risk of invasion, he’s asking for hundreds of millions of dollars in weapons to defend against one.

“We think it’s important to be open and candid about that threat.”

Tensions between NATO and Russia are intensifying after Russia moved troops and heavy weapons to the Ukrainian border, sparking international fears of a possible invasion. Picture: Paulius Peleckis/Getty Images

White House press secretary Jen Psaki previously stated the Biden administration was convinced war was “imminent” while US General Mark Milley said Russia’s Ukraine moves were the most serious seen since the Cold War, and that an invasion would be “horrific”.

Over the weekend, both the US and UK announced new, “devastating” sanctions against Russia in an attempt to keep Moscow in line.

US Senator Bob Menendez, who chairs the Foreign Relations Committee in the upper house, suggested some penalties could be introduced over actions Russia had already undertaken in Ukraine, including cyber-attacks, but that “devastating sanctions that ultimately would crush Russia” would follow if an invasion did go ahead.

‘Real threat’

UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has also joined the chorus of those warning of a Russian war, telling the BBC there was a “real threat” of invasion, an outcome which would be “terrible for Europe”.

She said the UK had sent weapons to Ukraine to help the nation bolster its defences, as well as “strengthening” sanctions against Russia.

“We’re doing all we can through deterrence and diplomacy to urge him to desist,” she told the BBC, adding it was “highly likely” President Vladimir Putin planned to invade.