Fears of Russian invasion of Ukraine rises despite US push for diplomacy | TheHill

National security adviser Jake SullivanJake SullivanSunday shows preview: Democrats' struggle for voting rights bill comes to a head Canadian foreign minister to visit Kyiv next week to deter 'aggressive actions' by Russia US intelligence says Russia has prepared a false-flag operation to invade Ukraine MORE warned Thursday that Russia is preparing a “false flag” operation to use as a pretext to launch an offensive against Kyiv on top of its buildup of more than 100,000 troops on Ukraine’s eastern border. In addition, the U.S. envoy to the Organization for Security and Cooperation (OSCE) in Europe issued a stark warning on Thursday that the “drumbeat of war is sounding loud.” Secretary of State Antony BlinkenAntony BlinkenChina launches cooperation deal with Iran, rebukes US unilateral sanctions Putin's 'Brezhnev Doctrine' involving Ukraine could backfire Biden faces down Putin MORE has said that Washington is prepared to continue dialogue with Moscow to address its security concerns, but is prepared, along with allies in Europe, to impose severe costs if Russia attacks Ukraine. “We are concerned that the Russian government is preparing for an invasion in Ukraine that may result in widespread human rights violations and war crimes should diplomacy fail to meet their objectives,” White House press secretary Jen PsakiJen PsakiBiden's voting rights gamble prompts second-guessing Overnight Defense & National Security — US says Russia prepping 'false flag' operation Biden administration says Russia arrested Colonial Pipeline hacker MORE said on Friday. “As part of its plans, Russia is laying the groundwork to have the option of fabricating a pretext for invasion.” Republican lawmakers are slamming President BidenJoe BidenSunday shows preview: Democrats' struggle for voting rights bill comes to a head David Weil: Wrong man, wrong place, wrong time  Biden's voting rights gamble prompts second-guessing MORE’s strategy as appeasing and emboldening Russian President Vladimir PutinVladimir Vladimirovich PutinOvernight Defense & National Security — US says Russia prepping 'false flag' operation Biden administration says Russia arrested Colonial Pipeline hacker Putin's 'Brezhnev Doctrine' involving Ukraine could backfire MORE to threaten Ukraine without consequence, warning the longtime Russian leader seeks to expand his hold on the former Soviet state beyond the Kremlin’s occupation of the Crimean Peninsula in 2014.