Russian invasion no longer “imminent”, U.S. official states

White House Spokesperson Jen Psaki stated at a press
briefing on Feb. 2 that she would no longer be using the word “imminent” to
describe the threat of a further Russian military invasion of Ukraine. As far
as the U.S. could tell, a final decision had not been made. However, she noted
that regarding Putin, “He could invade at any time.”

Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov stated at
a press briefing on Feb. 3 that the current likelihood of a further Russian
military invasion is low, as the spearhead formations on land are not in place,
and regarding the sea, the landing ships from the Northern and Baltic fleets
were currently at the Syrian port of Tartus.

James Hydzik: The
rhetoric of the last week on the part of Ukraine’s allies has died down a
little, and Resnikov’s assessment fits. With Putin traveling to China for the
start of the Olympics, it seems that the threat is on hold. Analytsts on Ekho
Moskvy are likewise saying that, “it’s not over, just delayed.” For the moment,
at least, the status quo should hold.