Allies warn over Kremlin attempts to justify invasion of Ukraine

Joe Biden warned that Washington saw no signs of a promised Russian withdrawal – but instead saw more troops moving toward the border with Ukraine, indicating Moscow could invade within days

Military helicopters fly over the Osipovichi training ground during the Union Courage-2022 Russia-Belarus military drills near Osipovichi , Belarus (AP)

The US has issued some of its starkest, most detailed warnings yet about how a Russian invasion of Ukraine might unfold, with Western allies on high alert for any attempts by the Kremlin to create a false pretext for a new war in Europe.

US secretary of state Antony Blinken warned UN officials of a possible staged drone strike or “so-called terrorist bombing” inside Russia, or even an attack using chemical weapons, which would be used as a justification for invading Ukraine.