US intel assessment notes multiple Ukraine cities that may be targeted: report

The U.S. has reportedly informed its allies of certain Ukrainian cities that could come under attack if a Russian invasion does occur.

The U.S. has informed allies that cities including Kharkiv in the north and Odessa and Kherson in the south could be targeted in a potential invasion, three people familiar told Bloomberg.

One official who spoke with the outlet said the United States’ view is being determined by the type of Russian forces currently gathered near Ukraine and what their capabilities are. Though the sources could not say what the potential attacks might include, one said that U.S. intelligence has suggested that a large-scale invasion would include air support and cyber disruptions.

Russia is believed to have amassed up to 190,000 soldiers along Ukraine’s border, including in the neighboring country of Belarus.

President Biden said last week that he is convinced that Russian President Vladimir Putin has decided to invade the former Soviet state, though Moscow has continued to deny these accusations. On Sunday, Biden agreed to meet with Putin in the coming days on the condition that Russia does not proceed with an invasion of Ukraine.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova shot down Bloomberg’s report when reached for comment by the outlet.

“Bloomberg has already published several articles about the alleged Russian invasion of Ukraine or non-invasion of Ukraine,” Zakharova said to Bloomberg. “This information has never proved accurate. It was denied both by the Russian side and refuted directly by subsequent events.”

She accused Bloomberg of being “used” by U.S. intelligence and “knowingly spreading disinformation.”