Biden ‘convinced’ of Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine

KYIV, Ukraine (KLKN) – U.S. President Joe Biden said Friday that he’s convinced Russian President Vladimir Putin has decided to invade Ukraine.

Biden spoke to the nation from the White House as attacks increased along the Ukrainian border.

He said Russia could use these “false-flag” attacks to justify an invasion into Ukraine.

A humanitarian convoy was hit by shelling, and pro-Russian rebels evacuated civilians from the conflict zone.

The eastern city of Donetsk reported a car bombing, but no causalities.

After weeks of saying the U.S. was unsure if Russia would make the decision to invade, Biden announced that the assessment had changed, citing American intelligence.

“We have reason to believe the Russian forces are planning to and intend to attack Ukraine in the coming week — the coming days,” Biden said in his speech. “We believe that they will target Ukraine’s capitol of Kiev, a city of 2.8 million innocent people.”

However, Biden said diplomacy is still an option and the United States does not want a conflict.

“It is not too late to de-escalate and return to the negotiating table,” Biden said.