MojNews_ Russia continues to increase its military presence on the Ukrainian border, Defense Department spokesman John Kirby said Tuesday evening.

Speaking at a Pentagon news conference, he added:

Washington is closely monitoring the deployment of Russian forces on the border with Ukraine and believes that these forces are ready for an attack.

A Pentagon spokesman added:

Russia could invade Ukraine militarily at any moment.

Officials from the pro-Western governments of Ukraine, the United States, Britain and some other Western allies have repeatedly claimed in recent weeks that Russia is preparing to attack Ukraine, while threatening Moscow with economic consequences and sanctions. London said Monday evening that sanctions against Russia would be ready by February ۱۰ this year.

Although Russia has repeatedly stated that it does not intend to invade Ukraine, the United States and European countries have stepped up their military preparations for what they say is a possible military move by Moscow. Some of these countries have sent troops and military equipment to Ukraine under the same pretext.