WASHINGTON — The estimated 40,000 Russian troops along the border with Ukraine are capable of executing an attack order on 12 hours’ notice, according to the American general who commands all NATO forces in Europe.
In remarks to The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and the Reuters news agency, Air Force Gen. Philip M. Breedlove said it is not yet apparent that any significant number of Russian troops were withdrawing from the border area.
Breedlove’s statements were confirmed Wednesday by a U.S. defense official in Brussels who is familiar with the general’s comments.
According to the official, Breedlove said the Russian force is well-equipped and capable of achieving Russian military objectives in Ukraine or beyond within three to five days. Breedlove said the Russian force is a mix of planes, helicopters, artillery, infantry and commandos.
