Invasion of Ukraine would be 'horrific', US warns

The Pentagon’s top officials has warned that a Russian invasion of Ukraine would result in a “horrific” aftermath.

At a news conference at the Pentagon on Friday, Gen Milley—US President Joe Biden's most senior military officer—warned that the scale of Russia's forces near its border with Ukraine meant an attack would have severe consequences.  

The United States already has tens of thousands of troops stationed across mostly Western Europe.

"If that was unleashed on Ukraine, it would be significant, very significant, and it would result in a significant amount of casualties," Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley said.

"And you can imagine what that might look like in dense urban areas, along roads and so on and so forth. It would be horrific, it will be terrible."

Speaking alongside Milley, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said conflict in Ukraine could still be avoided, despite Russian President Vladimir Putin amassing more than 100,000 troops along their shared border.

"Conflict is not inevitable. There is still time and space for diplomacy," Austin said, adding that Mr. Putin can do the right thing as well. 

In the meantime, Russia denies plans to invade and says US support for Ukraine is a threat.

The remarks of the US military's two top officials, who had been quiet in recent days over the rise in tensions in Eastern Europe, came as there was no sign of a breakthrough in diplomatic efforts to avoid open conflict. 

They said Russia continues to add to its forces pointed at Ukraine, with a range of offensive units and capabilities including armour, air power, naval power, missiles, and cyber and political operations.

Earlier this week, the Pentagon said there were 8,500 combat-ready troops on alert, ready to be deployed at short notice.