this is bbc news i'm annita mcveigh. the headlines... britain's defence secretary calls for ongoing talks with russia to avoid an invasion of ukraine as he meets with his russian counterpart in moscow. the foreign office urges nationals to leave the country while commercial flights are still available. the search is on for dame cressida dick's replacement as commissioner of the uk's largest police force. the home secretary says the successor will face immediate challenges to address the culture and behaviour of the met�*s officers. better than expected the uk economy rebounded from the pandemic last year, growing by seven and a half percent. despite a macaw in the economy was remarkably resilient we were the fastest growing in the g7 last year

and forecasted to be the continued this year. six. and forecasted to be the continued this ear. ,, ., , ., ., ., this year. six months after a man shot dead five _ this year. six months after a man shot dead five people _ this year. six months after a man shot dead five people in - this year. six months after a man i shot dead five people in plymouth. we talk about his sorrow of the victims. and coming up in half an hour, foreign correspondents based in london give an outsider�*s view of events in the uk in dateline. hello and welcome to bbc news. we will bring you straight to the white housein will bring you straight to the white house in washington for eight news conference on ukraine. lake house in washington for eight news conference on ukraine. jake sullivan s-ueakin. conference on ukraine. jake sullivan speaking- we _ conference on ukraine. jake sullivan speaking- we can — conference on ukraine. jake sullivan speaking. we can train _ conference on ukraine. jake sullivan speaking. we can train you - conference on ukraine. jake sullivan speaking. we can train you to - conference on ukraine. jake sullivan speaking. we can train you to see i speaking. we can train you to see signs of russian escalation including new forces arriving at the

ukrainian border. as we said before, we are in the window when a invasion can begin at any time should vladimir putin decided to order i will not comment on the details of our intelligence information. but i do want to be clear, it could begin during the olympics despite a lot of speculation that it would only happen after the olympics. as we said before, we are ready either way. we are ready to continue results oriented diplomacy that addresses the security concerns of the united states, russia and europe. consistent with our values and the principle of reciprocity laxity. we continue to make that clear to roger and european allies and partners. we are also —— russia. we are also ready to respond alongside those partners should russia decide to take military action. our response would include severe economic sanctions with similar sanctions being imposed by the european union, canada and other countries. it also include changes

to nato and american force posture along the eastern flank of nato. it would include continued support to ukraine. the president held a secure video conference today with key allies and partners to co—ordinate our approach to this crisis. the participants were the uk, france, germany, italy, canada, poland, romania, the secretary—general of nato and the president of the european union. we have achieved a remarkable level of unity and common purpose from the broad strategy down to the technical details. if russia proceeds its long—term power and influence will be diminished, not enhanced by an invasion. it will face a more determined transatlantic community. it will have to make more concessions to china, it will face massive pressure on its economy and export controls that will erode its defence industrial base. and it will face a wave of condemnation from

around the world. if on the other hand, russia truly seeks a diplomatic outcome it should not only say so they should pursue that diplomatic outcome. we are prepared to do that. we have put concrete proposals on the table. they are now out there for the world to see. we are prepared to engage on them and to discuss the principles and parameters of european security with our european partners and with russia. whatever happens next, the west is more united than it's been in years. nato has been strengthened, the alliances more cohesive, more purposeful, more dynamic than in any time in recent memory. in terms of immediate next steps, president biden and his team will remain in close contact with our allies and partners to co—ordinate both on potentialfor diplomacy and on any response that is necessary should putin decide to order action. we are continuing to reduce the size of our msc footprint in kyiv. i now want to take a moment

to echo what both biden and secretary lincoln has said. we encourage all remaining us citizens in ukraine to depart immediately. we want to be crystal clear on this point. any american in the uk should leave as soon as gas ukraine. in the next 48 hours. we obviously cannot predict the future. we don't know exactly what is going to happen but the risk is now high enough and the threat is now immediate enough that this is what prudence demands. if you say you are assuming risk with no guarantee that they will be any other opportunity to leave and no prospect of a us military evacuation in the event of a russian invasion. if a russian attack on ukraine proceeds it is likely to begin with aerial bombing and missile attacks that could obviously kill civilians without regard to their nationality.

a subsequent ground invasion would involve the onslaught of a massive force with virtually no notice, communications to arrange departure could be severed and transit halted. no one would be able to count on air or rail or road departures once military actions got underway. again, i'm not standing here and saying what is going to happen or not happen. i'm only standing here to say that the risk is now high enough and the threat is immediate enough and the threat is immediate enough that prudence demands that it is the time to leave now while commercial options and commercial rail and air service it exists, while the roads are open. the president will not be putting the lives of our women and men in risk by sending them into a war zone to rescue people who could've left now but chose not to. so we are asking people to make the responsible choice. with that, a apodictic questions. i choice. with that, a apodictic questione— choice. with that, a apodictic cuestions. ~ ., ., �* ., choice. with that, a apodictic cuestions. ~ ., ., ., questions. i know you don't want to net into questions. i know you don't want to get into the — questions. i know you don't want to get into the intelligence _ questions. i know you don't want to get into the intelligence but - questions. i know you don't want to get into the intelligence but can - get into the intelligence but can you give — get into the intelligence but can you give us_ get into the intelligence but can you give us any— get into the intelligence but can you give us any sense, - get into the intelligence but can you give us any sense, what - get into the intelligence but can| you give us any sense, what has

change — you give us any sense, what has change of— you give us any sense, what has change of the _ you give us any sense, what has change of the past _ you give us any sense, what has change of the past 24 _ you give us any sense, what has change of the past 24 or- you give us any sense, what has change of the past 24 or 48 - you give us any sense, what has. change of the past 24 or 48 hours to lead to— change of the past 24 or 48 hours to lead to the _ change of the past 24 or 48 hours to lead to the new— change of the past 24 or 48 hours to lead to the new level— change of the past 24 or 48 hours to lead to the new level of concern - change of the past 24 or 48 hours to lead to the new level of concern wasi lead to the new level of concern was at first _ lead to the new level of concern was at first i _ lead to the new level of concern was at first i would — lead to the new level of concern was at first i would say, _ lead to the new level of concern was at first i would say, when _ at first i would say, when i appeared _ at first i would say, when i appeared on— at first i would say, when i appeared on the _ at first i would say, when i appeared on the sunday i at first i would say, when i- appeared on the sunday shows last weekend _ appeared on the sunday shows last weekend i— appeared on the sunday shows last weekend i made _ appeared on the sunday shows last weekend i made the _ appeared on the sunday shows last weekend i made the point - appeared on the sunday shows last weekend i made the point that- appeared on the sunday shows last . weekend i made the point that you're in the _ weekend i made the point that you're in the window — weekend i made the point that you're in the window. that _ weekend i made the point that you're in the window— in the window. that russian military action could — in the window. that russian military action could begin _ in the window. that russian military action could begin any _ in the window. that russian military action could begin any day _ in the window. that russian military action could begin any day now - in the window. that russian military action could begin any day now and | action could begin any day now and that remains true. it could begin any day now and he could occur before the olympics had ended. i'm not going to get into intelligence information but if you look at the disposition of forces in both belarus and in russia, on the other side of the ukrainian borderfrom the north, from the east, the russians are in a position to be able to mount a major military action in ukraine any day now. and for that reason we believe that it is important for us to communicate to our allies and partners, to the ukrainians into the american citizens who are still there. i want to be crystal clear though, we are not saying that a decision has been taken, a final decision has been taken, a final decision has been taken by president putin. what we are saying is that we have a sufficient level of concern based on

what we are seeing on the ground and our intelligence analyst had picked up our intelligence analyst had picked up that we are sending this clear message. it remains a message that we have now been sending for some time. yes, it is an urgent message because we are in an urgent situation. because we are in an urgent situation-— because we are in an urgent situation. , ., . ., , ., situation. just to clarify, you now believe that _ situation. just to clarify, you now believe that russia _ situation. just to clarify, you now believe that russia has _ situation. just to clarify, you now believe that russia has all - situation. just to clarify, you now believe that russia has all the i believe that russia has all the forces — believe that russia has all the forces it— believe that russia has all the forces it needs _ believe that russia has all the forces it needs to _ believe that russia has all the forces it needs to mount - believe that russia has all the forces it needs to mount a - forces it needs to mount a full-scale _ forces it needs to mount a full—scale invasion - forces it needs to mount a full—scale invasion of - forces it needs to mount a - full—scale invasion of ukraine? forces it needs to mount a full-scale invasion of ukraine? what i'm sa in: full-scale invasion of ukraine? what l'm saying is — full-scale invasion of ukraine? what l'm saying is that — full-scale invasion of ukraine? what i'm saying is that russia _ full—scale invasion of ukraine? i'm saying is that russia has all the forces it needs to conduct a major military action. i'm not sure what you mean by full—scale invasion. but russia could choose in very short order to commence major military action against ukraine. nato told the president that will call up _ nato told the president that will call up the — nato told the president that will call up the nato _ nato told the president that will call up the nato response - nato told the president that will call up the nato response force i nato told the president that will i call up the nato response force of americans— call up the nato response force of americans who _ call up the nato response force of americans who have _ call up the nato response force of americans who have been - call up the nato response force of americans who have been put- call up the nato response force of americans who have been put onl call up the nato response force of- americans who have been put on that short lead _ americans who have been put on that short lead for— americans who have been put on that short lead for that _ americans who have been put on that short lead for that is _ americans who have been put on that short lead for that is the _ americans who have been put on that short lead for that is the president. short lead for that is the president prepared _ short lead for that is the president prepared to — short lead for that is the president prepared to send _ short lead for that is the president prepared to send additional- prepared to send additional unilateral— prepared to send additional unilateral forces _ prepared to send additional unilateral forces to- prepared to send additional unilateral forces to our- prepared to send additional- unilateral forces to our partners in the border— unilateral forces to our partners in the border region— unilateral forces to our partners in the border region of— unilateral forces to our partners in the border region of ukraine? - unilateral forces to our partners in the border region of ukraine? is. the border region of ukraine? is that your— the border region of ukraine? is that yourjudgment _ the border region of ukraine? is that yourjudgment of _ the border region of ukraine? is that yourjudgment of the - the border region of ukraine? is- that yourjudgment of the judgment of us intelligence _ that yourjudgment of the judgment of us intelligence in— that yourjudgment of the judgment of us intelligence in the _ that yourjudgment of the judgment of us intelligence in the us - of us intelligence in the us government— of us intelligence in the us government that _ of us intelligence in the us government that putin -

of us intelligence in the us government that putin is i of us intelligence in the us - government that putin is behaving as a rational— government that putin is behaving as a rational actor— government that putin is behaving as a rational actor in _ government that putin is behaving as a rational actor in his— government that putin is behaving as a rational actor in hisjudgements- a rational actor in hisjudgements at this— a rational actor in hisjudgements at this point? _ a rational actor in hisjudgements at this point? on _ a rational actor in his 'udgements at this mph a rational actor in his 'udgements at this poihtth at this point? on the question of the president — at this point? on the question of the president authorising - at this point? on the question of the president authorising more l at this point? on the question of i the president authorising more you know what lateral forces to europe, he's been open all along that is willing to do so as circumstances warrant. these deployments of us service members to poland, romania, germany, these are not soldiers who are being sent to go fight russia in ukraine. they are not going to war in ukraine, they are not going to war with russia, they're going to defend nato territory consistent with our article five obligation. they are defensive deployments, they are not escalatory, they are meant reinforce, read defend against nato territory. in terms of the us forces that have been put on height and readiness to be deployed in the event of a nato decision to deploy them, the president had the chance is part of the discussion today to hear from the secretary—general, no decisions have been taken in that regard but those forces stand by

should a decision be taken by the north atlantic council to call up the nato response force and a request comes in for american forces to be a part of that. finally, i can't get inside the head of president putin. i'm not to speculate as to his motivations, his intentions are at this point his decisions. all i will say is that we are ready either way. if president putin wants to engage in diplomacy we are prepared to engage in diplomacy, would like to find a diplomatic path forward and we sketch out the parameters and principles for that. if president putin chooses to move forward we will work in lock step in our allies and partners to respond decisively. it sounds like you're saying the assessment— it sounds like you're saying the assessment previously- it sounds like you're saying the assessment previously has - it sounds like you're saying the assessment previously has not| it sounds like you're saying the - assessment previously has not made a decision— assessment previously has not made a decision still— assessment previously has not made a decision still stands. _ assessment previously has not made a decision still stands. i _ assessment previously has not made a decision still stands. i guess— decision still stands. i guess by? — decision still stands. i guess by? , — decision still stands. i guess by? , is— decision still stands. i guess by? . is that _ decision still stands. i guess by? , is that your— decision still stands. i guess. by? , is that your assessment decision still stands. i guess- by? , is that your assessment that it's more _ by? , is that your assessment that it's more likely— by? , is that your assessment that it's more likely that _ by? , is that your assessment that it's more likely that an _ by? , is that your assessment that it's more likely that an invasion . it's more likely that an invasion and now— it's more likely that an invasion and now than— it's more likely that an invasion and now than previously- it's more likely that an invasion . and now than previously believed? it's and now than previously believed? it's hard to— and now than previously believed? it's hard to assign _ it's hard to assign a percentage probability to any of this. we have to think about the range of

scenarios that we confront. it's our job to be ready for all of them. what i will say is that the way he has built up his forces and put them in place, along with the other indicators that we have collected through intelligence makes it clear to us that there is a very distinct possibility that russia will choose to act militarily and there is reason to believe that that could happen on a reasonably swift timeframe for that we can pinpoint the day at this point. and we can't pinpoint the hour. at what we can say is that there is a credible prospect that a russian military action would take place even before the end of the olympics. in action would take place even before the end of the olympics.— the end of the olympics. in the mornint the end of the olympics. in the morning you — the end of the olympics. in the morning you just _ the end of the olympics. in the morning you just delivered - the end of the olympics. in the morning you just delivered to l morning you just delivered to americans— morning you just delivered to americans for— morning you just delivered to americans for ukraine - morning you just delivered to americans for ukraine say . morning you just delivered to i americans for ukraine say they should — americans for ukraine say they should get— americans for ukraine say they should get out _ americans for ukraine say they should get out while _ americans for ukraine say they should get out while they - americans for ukraine say they should get out while they stilli americans for ukraine say they. should get out while they still can, do you _ should get out while they still can, do you have — should get out while they still can, do you have a _ should get out while they still can, do you have a picture _ should get out while they still can, do you have a picture of— should get out while they still can, do you have a picture of how- should get out while they still can, do you have a picture of how manyj do you have a picture of how many americans— do you have a picture of how many americans are _ do you have a picture of how many americans are in— do you have a picture of how many americans are in the _ do you have a picture of how many americans are in the ukraine? - do you have a picture of how many americans are in the ukraine? i. americans are in the ukraine? would refer you to the state department for the specifics on theirs. i don't want to do it at the top of my head. there's basically two categories, those registered with the embassy and those not register with the embassy. in the

first category obviously they have a number although some of those folks already left and didn't deregister. in the second category, we don't know because of course no american is obligated or required. you can't fix a perfect number. they are the ones who are best positioned to be able to explain what our current picture is of american citizens in ukraine. what i can do is stand before the world media and send a very clear message to all americans and to any american who is in ukraine right now who needs help, needs financial help all logistical help or to take advantage of a commercial option to get out, please call the us embassy in kyiv. we stand ready to provide that out. share stand ready to provide that out. are ou stand ready to provide that out. are you looking at this being some kind of attack— you looking at this being some kind of attack on — you looking at this being some kind of attack on kyiv, _ you looking at this being some kind of attack on kyiv, the _ you looking at this being some kind of attack on kyiv, the donbas - you looking at this being some kind of attack on kyiv, the donbas or- of attack on kyiv, the donbas or other region. _ of attack on kyiv, the donbas or other region, do _ of attack on kyiv, the donbas or other region, do you _ of attack on kyiv, the donbas or other region, do you have - of attack on kyiv, the donbas or other region, do you have any. of attack on kyiv, the donbas or- other region, do you have any sense of that? _ other region, do you have any sense of that? what— other region, do you have any sense of that? what is— other region, do you have any sense of that? what is the _ other region, do you have any sense of that? what is the sense - other region, do you have any sense of that? what is the sense of- other region, do you have any sense of that? what is the sense of the . of that? what is the sense of the intelligence community- of that? what is the sense of the intelligence community has - of that? what is the sense of the intelligence community has in. of that? what is the sense of the . intelligence community has in what their learning — intelligence community has in what their learning about— intelligence community has in what their learning about this _ intelligence community has in what their learning about this plan? - their learning about this plan? especially— their learning about this plan? especially about— their learning about this plan? especially about the _ their learning about this plan? especially about the potentiall especially about the potential before —

especially about the potential before the _ especially about the potential before the end... _ especially about the potential before the end... (an - especially about the potential before the end. . ._ especially about the potential before the end... . , ., , ., before the end... can you repeat the second question? _ before the end... can you repeat the second question? whether - before the end... can you repeat the second question? whether this i second question? whether this will happen? _ second question? whether this will happen? the _ second question? whether this will happen? the intelligence - will happen? the intelligence community — will happen? the intelligence community has _ will happen? the intelligence community has sufficient - will happen? the intelligence - community has sufficient confidence that i can stand before you today and say what aya said which is there is a distinct possibility that vladimir putin would order a military action, and invasion of ukraine in this window, in this time period. and that could include the time. before february 20, before the beijing olympics have been completed. they believed that everything i havejust said is well grounded in both what they are seeing on the ground and what they are picking out through all of their various sources. now to your question about what type of action it would be, we've been clear that it would be, we've been clear that it could take a range of different forms. but i want to be equally

clear that one of those forms is a rapid assault on the city of kyiv. that is a possible line of attack, course of action that the russian could choose to take. they could also choose to move in other parts of ukraine as well. the last point that i would make, i know this has been a subjective, fair amount of back and forth of over the course of the week. we are firmly convinced that the russians, should they decide to move forward with an invasion are looking hard at the creation of a pretext, a false flag operation. something that they generate and try to blame on ukrainian it as a trigger for military action. and we are calling that out publicly because we do believe that if russia chooses to do that they should be held to account, the world should not believe that a false flag operation that they conducted is a legitimate cause for going into ukraine. you conducted is a legitimate cause for going into ukraine.— going into ukraine. you mentioned that ou going into ukraine. you mentioned that you do — going into ukraine. you mentioned that you do riot _ going into ukraine. you mentioned that you do not want _

going into ukraine. you mentioned that you do not want to _ going into ukraine. you mentioned that you do not want to say - going into ukraine. you mentioned that you do not want to say that i that you do not want to say that putin _ that you do not want to say that putin has— that you do not want to say that putin has made _ that you do not want to say that putin has made a _ that you do not want to say that putin has made a decision. - that you do not want to say that| putin has made a decision. does the united _ putin has made a decision. does the united states— putin has made a decision. does the united states believe _ putin has made a decision. does the united states believe that _ putin has made a decision. does the united states believe that the - united states believe that the president _ united states believe that the president putin— united states believe that the president putin has— united states believe that the president putin has made - united states believe that the president putin has made a i united states believe that the - president putin has made a decision? because _ president putin has made a decision? because pbs— president putin has made a decision? because pbs news— president putin has made a decision? because pbs news hour— president putin has made a decision? because pbs news hourjust- president putin has made a decision? because pbs news hourjust reported| because pbs news hourjust reported a bit ago _ because pbs news hourjust reported a bit ago that— because pbs news hourjust reported a bit ago that the _ because pbs news hourjust reported a bit ago that the united _ because pbs news hourjust reported a bit ago that the united states - a bit ago that the united states does _ a bit ago that the united states does believe _ a bit ago that the united states does believe that _ a bit ago that the united states does believe that putin - a bit ago that the united states does believe that putin has - a bit ago that the united states l does believe that putin has made a bit ago that the united states - does believe that putin has made a decision— does believe that putin has made a decision and — does believe that putin has made a decision and has _ does believe that putin has made a decision and has also _ does believe that putin has made ai decision and has also communicated that decision — decision and has also communicated that decision to _ decision and has also communicated that decision to the _ decision and has also communicated that decision to the russian - that decision to the russian military _ that decision to the russian military is— that decision to the russian milita . , . ., military. is that accurate? the re tort military. is that accurate? the report which — military. is that accurate? the report which you _ military. is that accurate? the report which you just - military. is that accurate? the i report which you just reference, which i did not see yet does not accurately capture what the us governments view is today. our view is that we do not believe he has made any kind of final decision or we don't know that he has made any final decision and we are not communicated that to anybody. ifliting communicated that to anybody. citing three western — communicated that to anybody. citing three western defence _ communicated that to anybody. citing three western defence officials who say the _ three western defence officials who say the us— three western defence officials who say the us does— three western defence officials who say the us does believe _ three western defence officials who say the us does believe that - three western defence officials who say the us does believe that putini say the us does believe that putin is made _ say the us does believe that putin is made up — say the us does believe that putin is made up his— say the us does believe that putin is made up his mind, _ say the us does believe that putin is made up his mind, has - is made up his mind, has communicated _ is made up his mind, has communicated that- is made up his mind, has communicated that to . is made up his mind, has| communicated that to the is made up his mind, has - communicated that to the military and that— communicated that to the military and that they _ communicated that to the military and that they have _ communicated that to the military and that they have been _ communicated that to the military and that they have been shown i and that they have been shown intelligence _ and that they have been shown intelligence on _ and that they have been shown intelligence on that. _ and that they have been shown intelligence on that.— intelligence on that. your statements _ intelligence on that. your statements are _ intelligence on that. your statements are true? - intelligence on that. your i statements are true? what intelligence on that. your - statements are true? what we intelligence on that.“ statements are true? what we have community our allies and partners all 30 allies plus a range of partners are latest intelligent

information it does not include a statement that vladimir putin has definitively given in order to move. you haven't been shown every lignite any evidence? — you haven't been shown every lignite any evidence?— any evidence? we've not seen an hint any evidence? we've not seen anything come _ any evidence? we've not seen anything come to _ any evidence? we've not seen anything come to us _ any evidence? we've not seen anything come to us that - any evidence? we've not seen anything come to us that says| any evidence? we've not seen i anything come to us that says a final decision has been taken, the go order has been given. what i will say, the reason i'm up here talking the way i am to american citizens, the way i am to american citizens, the reason were taken to various actions were taken, the reason the president convened our closest allies and partners from across the nato alliance in the european union is because we believe he very well may give the final goal order. that is a very distinct possibility. but we are not still be here before you and saying the order has been given, the invasion is on. it may well happen, it may well happen soon. but we are not saying i think the way that you just characterise it, i have not seen this pbs report yet but that does not capture the communication that we are making to

our nato allies nor what we understand internally. given the rescue laid _ understand internally. given the rescue laid out, _ understand internally. given the rescue laid out, the _ understand internally. given the rescue laid out, the fact - understand internally. given the rescue laid out, the fact that - rescue laid out, the fact that you're — rescue laid out, the fact that you're not— rescue laid out, the fact that you're not 100%_ rescue laid out, the fact that you're not 100% that - rescue laid out, the fact that you're not 100% that putin i rescue laid out, the fact that l you're not 100% that putin has rescue laid out, the fact that - you're not 100% that putin has made a decision— you're not 100% that putin has made a decision yet. — you're not 100% that putin has made a decision yet, we _ you're not 100% that putin has made a decision yet, we have _ you're not 100% that putin has made a decision yet, we have seen - you're not 100% that putin has made a decision yet, we have seen other. a decision yet, we have seen other world _ a decision yet, we have seen other world leaders— a decision yet, we have seen other world leaders meeting _ a decision yet, we have seen other world leaders meeting with- a decision yet, we have seen other world leaders meeting with putin. i world leaders meeting with putin. has there — world leaders meeting with putin. has there been _ world leaders meeting with putin. has there been any _ world leaders meeting with putin. has there been any more - world leaders meeting with putin. has there been any more thought| world leaders meeting with putin. - has there been any more thought with president _ has there been any more thought with president biden— has there been any more thought with president biden engaging _ has there been any more thought with president biden engaging with- has there been any more thought with president biden engaging with them i president biden engaging with them directlyi _ president biden engaging with them directlyi would — president biden engaging with them directlyl would expect _ president biden engaging with them directlyl would expect that - directlyl would expect that president _ directlyl would expect that president biden— directlyl would expect that president biden will- directlyl would expect that. president biden will engage directlyl would expect that - president biden will engage by directlyl would expect that _ president biden will engage by phone with president— president biden will engage by phone with president putin _ president biden will engage by phone with president putin but _ president biden will engage by phone with president putin but i _ president biden will engage by phone with president putin but i don't - with president putin but i don't have _ with president putin but i don't have anything _ with president putin but i don't have anything to _ with president putin but i don't have anything to announce - with president putin but i don't have anything to announce oni with president putin but i don't i have anything to announce on that now _ have anything to announce on that now because _ have anything to announce on that now. because this _ have anything to announce on that now. because this is _ have anything to announce on that now. because this is getting - have anything to announce on that now. because this is getting so. now. because this is getting so close _ now. because this is getting so close now— now. because this is getting so close now and _ now. because this is getting so close now and the _ now. because this is getting so close now and the concern - now. because this is getting so close now and the concern thatj now. because this is getting so- close now and the concern that your are weighing — close now and the concern that your are weighing towards _ close now and the concern that your are weighing towards the _ close now and the concern that your are weighing towards the americanl are weighing towards the american people. _ are weighing towards the american people. is— are weighing towards the american people. is there _ are weighing towards the american people. is there a _ are weighing towards the american people, is there a need _ are weighing towards the american people, is there a need to- are weighing towards the american people, is there a need to providel people, is there a need to provide some _ people, is there a need to provide some underlying _ people, is there a need to provide some underlying evidence - people, is there a need to provide some underlying evidence of- people, is there a need to provide some underlying evidence ofjustl some underlying evidence ofjust what _ some underlying evidence ofjust what you're — some underlying evidence ofjust what you're saying _ some underlying evidence ofjust what you're saying that - some underlying evidence ofjust what you're saying that shows i what you're saying that shows americans. _ what you're saying that shows americans, this _ what you're saying that shows americans, this is _ what you're saying that shows americans, this is a _ what you're saying that shows americans, this is a country. what you're saying that shows i americans, this is a country that went— americans, this is a country that went through _ americans, this is a country that went through a _ americans, this is a country that went through a lot _ americans, this is a country that went through a lot and - americans, this is a country that| went through a lot and concerned about— went through a lot and concerned about what — went through a lot and concerned about what the _ went through a lot and concerned about what the intelligence - went through a lot and concerned about what the intelligence is - about what the intelligence is showing _ about what the intelligence is showing does _ about what the intelligence is showing. does the _ about what the intelligence is - showing. does the administration see, provide— showing. does the administration see, provide underlying _ see, provide underlying intelligence? _ see, provide underlying intelligence?— see, provide underlying intelligence? see, provide underlying intellitence? , ., see, provide underlying intellitence? , . ., intelligence? let me start with a fundamental _ intelligence? let me start with a fundamental distinction - intelligence? let me start with aj fundamental distinction between intelligence? let me start with a - fundamental distinction between the situation in iraq and the situation today. in the situation in iraq said

information was used to start a war. we are trying to stop a war, to prevent a war, to advert a war. all we can do is come here before you in good faith and share everything that we know to the best of our ability while protecting sources and methods so we continue to get the access to intelligence we need. but there's another big difference between what happened in 2003 and was happening in 2022. and that is in that case it was information about intentions, about a hidden thing, stuff that can be seen. today we are talking about more than 100,000 russian troops amassed along the ukrainian border with every capacity, out there in the open for people to see, it's all of the social media, it's all over your new sites so you can believe your new sites so you can believe your own eyes that the russians have put in place the capabilities to conduct a massive military operation against ukraine should they choose to do so. finally, i would just say, if you look the course of the past

few months, as we have said, we predict there will be a build up at this time, our information telling us that the russians are likely to move in these ways. thus far in november and december and january that has borne out. i think when you take all of that together, we put forward a credible case was up but is not myjob to stand here and convince any of you of anything, it's your job convince any of you of anything, it's yourjob to ask questions and do what you can do. all i can do is based on the best information i have available that i can share, that the president can share, the secretaries to take a credible case was up but is not myjob to stand here and convince any of you of anything, it's your job convince any of you of anything, it's yourjob to ask questions and do what you can do. all i can do is based on the best information i have available that i can share, that the president can share, the secretaries they could share, put that out there in those concentration with our allies and partners. that's what we've done. allies and partners. that's what we've done-— allies and partners. that's what we've done. i ., , we've done. would you accept the country would _ we've done. would you accept the country would do _ we've done. would you accept the country would do the _ we've done. would you accept the country would do the right - we've done. would you accept the country would do the right thing i we've done. would you accept the | country would do the right thing on this anniversary— country would do the right thing on this anniversary world _ country would do the right thing on this anniversary world order - country would do the right thing on this anniversary world order on - this anniversary world order on president — this anniversary world order on president putin— this anniversary world order on president putin with _ this anniversary world order on president putin with tanks? . this anniversary world order on i president putin with tanks? first this anniversary world order on president putin with tanks? first of all, the president putin with tanks? first of all. the country _ president putin with tanks? first of all, the country is _ president putin with tanks? first of all, the country is heard _ president putin with tanks? first of all, the country is heard directly i all, the country is heard directly on the ukraine subject many times in the course of the past three months and they will continue. it's not like president biden has been silent on this question. he's been very

vocal on it, he spoke into every aspect of it, he's read out his calls on it with world leaders, meetings etc. but he will continue to speak directly to the american people as we watch the situation unfold. �* , , . , people as we watch the situation unfold. . , , ., , ., people as we watch the situation unfold. , , ., ., ., unfold. any plans for from the oval office, unfold. any plans for from the oval office. speech _ unfold. any plans for from the oval office, speech on _ unfold. any plans for from the oval office, speech on this _ unfold. any plans for from the oval office, speech on this issue, - unfold. any plans for from the oval office, speech on this issue, any i office, speech on this issue, any prepared — office, speech on this issue, any prepared remarks? _ office, speech on this issue, any prepared remarks? i— office, speech on this issue, any prepared remarks?— prepared remarks? i don't have an hint prepared remarks? i don't have anything to _ prepared remarks? i don't have anything to announce _ prepared remarks? i don't have anything to announce of- prepared remarks? i don't have anything to announce of a - prepared remarks? i don't have i anything to announce of a speech prepared remarks? i don't have - anything to announce of a speech or anything to announce of a speech or any prepared remarks at this time. so you and other officials have been describing _ so you and other officials have been describing ukraine _ so you and other officials have been describing ukraine as _ so you and other officials have been describing ukraine as we _ so you and other officials have been describing ukraine as we watch - so you and other officials have been describing ukraine as we watch the i describing ukraine as we watch the press _ describing ukraine as we watch the press do _ describing ukraine as we watch the press do you — describing ukraine as we watch the press do you believe _ describing ukraine as we watch the press do you believe that - describing ukraine as we watch the press do you believe that strategyl press do you believe that strategy is helping — press do you believe that strategy is helping to— press do you believe that strategy is helping to reduce _ press do you believe that strategy is helping to reduce tension- press do you believe that strategy is helping to reduce tension or- press do you believe that strategy is helping to reduce tension or do| is helping to reduce tension or do you feel— is helping to reduce tension or do you feel that _ is helping to reduce tension or do you feel that may _ is helping to reduce tension or do you feel that may be _ is helping to reduce tension or do you feel that may be part - is helping to reduce tension or do you feel that may be part of- is helping to reduce tension or do you feel that may be part of the l you feel that may be part of the reason — you feel that may be part of the reason why— you feel that may be part of the reason why it's _ you feel that may be part of the reason why it's boxing - you feel that may be part of the reason why it's boxing putin - you feel that may be part of the - reason why it's boxing putin further by airing _ reason why it's boxing putin further by airing your— reason why it's boxing putin further by airing your strategy— reason why it's boxing putin further by airing your strategy like - reason why it's boxing putin further by airing your strategy like this? i by airing your strategy like this? so, only— by airing your strategy like this? so. only one _ by airing your strategy like this? so, only one country _ by airing your strategy like this? so, only one country has - by airing your strategy like this? i so, only one country has amassed more than a thousand troops on the border of another country with all the capabilities to conduct an invasion in that country is russia. the country is not the united states

was up so the fastest way to de—escalate for all involved would be for russia to choose to de—escalate its mobilisation of forces. the united states is responding to the active, sustained build—up of military pressure on the ukraine, were doing so in lockstep with allies and partners and at the same time we have been extremely forward leaning in our willingness to engage in diplomacy to address the mutual concerns of russia, the europeans in the united states when it comes european security. tiara it comes european security. two tuestions it comes european security. two questions for — it comes european security. two questions for you, _ it comes european security. two questions for you, next week vice president is — questions for you, next week vice president is going _ questions for you, next week vice president is going to _ questions for you, next week vice president is going to germany- questions for you, next week vice president is going to germany for| questions for you, next week vice i president is going to germany for a conference. — president is going to germany for a conference. why _ president is going to germany for a conference, why isn't _ president is going to germany for a conference, why isn't biden- president is going to germany for a conference, why isn't biden going? j conference, why isn't biden going? would _ conference, why isn't biden going? would easy— conference, why isn't biden going? would easy have _ conference, why isn't biden going? would easy have time _ conference, why isn't biden going? would easy have time to _ conference, why isn't biden going? would easy have time to engage i conference, why isn't biden going? i would easy have time to engage with his allies _ would easy have time to engage with his allies in _ would easy have time to engage with his allies in person? _ would easy have time to engage with his allies in person? is _ would easy have time to engage with his allies in person? is he _ would easy have time to engage with his allies in person? is he doing - his allies in person? is he doing enough — his allies in person? is he doing enough to— his allies in person? is he doing enough to avoid _ his allies in person? is he doing enough to avoid a _ his allies in person? is he doing enough to avoid a war? - his allies in person? is he doing enough to avoid a war? next i his allies in person? is he doing i enough to avoid a war? next week the brazilian _ enough to avoid a war? next week the brazilian president _ enough to avoid a war? next week the brazilian president is _ enough to avoid a war? next week the brazilian president is going _ enough to avoid a war? next week the brazilian president is going to - enough to avoid a war? next week the brazilian president is going to rush- brazilian president is going to rush her to— brazilian president is going to rush her to mate — brazilian president is going to rush her to mate with _ brazilian president is going to rush her to mate with putin, _ brazilian president is going to rush her to mate with putin, how- brazilian president is going to rush her to mate with putin, how does. brazilian president is going to rush. her to mate with putin, how does the white _ her to mate with putin, how does the white house — her to mate with putin, how does the white house see _ her to mate with putin, how does the white house see this _ her to mate with putin, how does the white house see this visit _ her to mate with putin, how does the white house see this visit and - her to mate with putin, how does the white house see this visit and the . white house see this visit and the timing of— white house see this visit and the timing of the _ white house see this visit and the timing of the visit _ white house see this visit and the timing of the visit and _ white house see this visit and the

timing of the visit and do - white house see this visit and the timing of the visit and do you - white house see this visit and the | timing of the visit and do you guys expect— timing of the visit and do you guys expect anything _ timing of the visit and do you guys expect anything from _ timing of the visit and do you guys expect anything from the - timing of the visit and do you guys expect anything from the brazilianj expect anything from the brazilian president— expect anything from the brazilian president during _ expect anything from the brazilian president during the _ expect anything from the brazilian president during the meeting? - expect anything from the brazilian president during the meeting? if. expect anything from the brazilian i president during the meeting? if you sim -l president during the meeting? if you simply looked _ president during the meeting? if you simply looked at _ president during the meeting? if you simply looked at a _ president during the meeting? simply looked at a catalogue of the engagement the president has had with allies and partners including the engagement he had today that catalogue alone would be a rebuttal to the proposition that he's not doing enough to rally the west and to offer russia a credible diplomatic path out of this. that's included phone calls, meetings, videoconferences, countless sustained effort over the course of months and we will continue with that. were also very proud to have the vice president representing the delegation. the vice president representing the deletation. ~ . the vice president representing the deletation. t . ., delegation. what about the meeting with vladimir— delegation. what about the meeting with vladimir putin _ delegation. what about the meeting with vladimir putin next _ delegation. what about the meeting with vladimir putin next week- delegation. what about the meeting with vladimir putin next week with i with vladimir putin next week with brazilian _ with vladimir putin next week with brazilian president? _ with vladimir putin next week with brazilian president? the— with vladimir putin next week with brazilian president?— brazilian president? the brazilian resident brazilian president? the brazilian president is _ brazilian president? the brazilian president is obviously _ brazilian president? the brazilian president is obviously free - brazilian president? the brazilian president is obviously free to - president is obviously free to conduct his diplomacy with other countries including roger and i don't have anything to add on saturday. don't have anything to add on saturda . ., ., saturday. you mentioned the possibility — saturday. you mentioned the possibility of _ saturday. you mentioned the possibility of an _ saturday. you mentioned the possibility of an assault - saturday. you mentioned the possibility of an assault on i saturday. you mentioned the i possibility of an assault on kyiv specifically. _

possibility of an assault on kyiv specifically, what _ possibility of an assault on kyiv specifically, what is— possibility of an assault on kyiv specifically, what is your- possibility of an assault on kyiv specifically, what is your sense| possibility of an assault on kyiv i specifically, what is your sense if putin— specifically, what is your sense if putin does— specifically, what is your sense if putin does decide _ specifically, what is your sense if putin does decide to _ specifically, what is your sense if putin does decide to invade - specifically, what is your sense if- putin does decide to invade ukraine, is he looking — putin does decide to invade ukraine, is he looking to _ putin does decide to invade ukraine, is he looking to then— putin does decide to invade ukraine, is he looking to then take _ putin does decide to invade ukraine, is he looking to then take over- putin does decide to invade ukraine, is he looking to then take over the i is he looking to then take over the entire _ is he looking to then take over the entire country— is he looking to then take over the entire country or... _ is he looking to then take over the entire country or... 2014. - is he looking to then take over the entire country or... 2014. how- is he looking to then take over the entire country or... 2014. how do| entire country or... 2014. how do you explain— entire country or... 2014. how do you explain the _ entire country or... 2014. how do you explain the disconnect - entire country or... 2014. how do i you explain the disconnect between the rhetoric— you explain the disconnect between the rhetoric that _ you explain the disconnect between the rhetoric that were _ you explain the disconnect between the rhetoric that were hearing, - you explain the disconnect between the rhetoric that were hearing, the| the rhetoric that were hearing, the warnings _ the rhetoric that were hearing, the warnings were _ the rhetoric that were hearing, the warnings were hearing _ the rhetoric that were hearing, the warnings were hearing from - the rhetoric that were hearing, the warnings were hearing from you i the rhetoric that were hearing, the. warnings were hearing from you and other— warnings were hearing from you and other western — warnings were hearing from you and other western countries _ warnings were hearing from you and other western countries and - warnings were hearing from you and other western countries and what i other western countries and what seems _ other western countries and what seems to— other western countries and what seems to be — other western countries and what seems to be a _ other western countries and what seems to be a plane _ other western countries and what seems to be a plane down - other western countries and what seems to be a plane down of- other western countries and what seems to be a plane down of the i other western countries and what i seems to be a plane down of the risk from ukraine? — seems to be a plane down of the risk from ukraine? l— seems to be a plane down of the risk from ukraine?— from ukraine? i won't speak to the decision that _ from ukraine? i won't speak to the decision that the _ from ukraine? i won't speak to the decision that the ukrainian - decision that the ukrainian leadership is making in terms of how they can eat dinner at communicating on this issue. i was a work co—ordinate extreme and close with them, i speak nearly every day with senior aides to president zelinski, secretary blinken is deeply engaged with both his counterpart and president in kyiv. we will continue that level of sharing information across every dimension of our government. but i can't characterise why it is that they are choosing their course. i can only say that based on our information we've chosen to be as transparent as possible with what we see as a

significant risk of military action in ukraine. as your other question, i can't obviously predict what the exact shape or scope of the military action will be. as i said before, i could it could take a variety of forms, could be limited, it could be expensive. there are very real possibilities that it will involve the seizure of a significant amount of territory in ukraine and the seizure of major cities including the capitals. the seizure of ma'or cities including the whites— the capitals. the presidents departure — the capitals. the presidents departure is _ the capitals. the presidents departure is 225. _ the capitals. the presidents departure is 225. if - the capitals. the presidents departure is 225. if people i the capitals. the presidents - departure is 225. if people need to leave _ departure is 225. if people need to leave they — departure is 225. if people need to leave they should _ departure is 225. if people need to leave they should leave _ departure is 225. if people need to leave they should leave now. - i'm just to give people a moment, i

guess. did the us wait too long to arm ukraine. — did the us wait too long to arm ukraine, especially— did the us wait too long to arm ukraine, especially with - did the us wait too long to arm | ukraine, especially with respect did the us wait too long to arm i ukraine, especially with respect to weapons _ ukraine, especially with respect to weapons that _ ukraine, especially with respect to weapons that a _ ukraine, especially with respect to weapons that a air _ ukraine, especially with respect to weapons that a air strike _ ukraine, especially with respect to weapons that a air strike might - ukraine, especially with respect to weapons that a air strike might be | weapons that a air strike might be laid out? — weapons that a air strike might be laid out? today— weapons that a air strike might be laid out? today wait _ weapons that a air strike might be laid out? today wait too _ weapons that a air strike might be laid out? today wait too long - weapons that a air strike might be laid out? today wait too long to i laid out? today wait too long to move _ laid out? today wait too long to move countries _ laid out? today wait too long to move countries and _ laid out? today wait too long to move countries and does - laid out? today wait too long to move countries and does the i move countries and does the president— move countries and does the president still— move countries and does the president still view— move countries and does the president still view the - move countries and does the president still view the ideal move countries and does the. president still view the idea of bringing — president still view the idea of bringing invasion _ president still view the idea of bringing invasion sanctions - president still view the idea of bringing invasion sanctions as| president still view the idea ofl bringing invasion sanctions as a question. — bringing invasion sanctions as a tuestion. ., , bringing invasion sanctions as a tuestion. . , , ., ., question. so, answer the question of waitint too question. so, answer the question of waiting too long _ question. so, answer the question of waiting too long on _ question. so, answer the question of waiting too long on arming _ question. so, answer the question of waiting too long on arming the - waiting too long on arming the ukrainians, overthe waiting too long on arming the ukrainians, over the course of the past year the united states has provided more than half $1 billion, $650 million in defence of assistance to the ukraine. that's more than has ever been given by any president in any year any time. and that began more than a year ago under the presidency ofjoe biden. second, we have made good on the commitment to get those deliveries

into the hands of the ukrainian armed forces those are defensive weapons intended to defend against aggression, they are not meant for offences per visits for any country. we feel very proud of the contribution and commitment that we have had to helping the ukrainians be able to defend themselves. with respect to the question of the deployment of forces to defend nato territory, our view is that in addition to the 80,000 strong us force presence in europe today that showing in poland and romania in particular but also through the deployment of air squadrons to the baltics as we had a few days ago. and other significant moves we made, a carrier in the mediterranean that for the first time in 30 years actually flew the nato flag as well as the american flag. we have been forward leaning and robust in defending and reassuring our nato allies. you don't have to take it for me, you can talk to the president of poland, the president of romania about the satisfaction

they at have the back of the united states has stepped out alongside other nato allies to deter and reassure and reinforce our presence along the eastern flank. what reassure and reinforce our presence along the eastern flank. what about the preinvasion _ along the eastern flank. what about the preinvasion sanctions? - along the eastern flank. what about the preinvasion sanctions? is - along the eastern flank. what about the preinvasion sanctions? is the i the preinvasion sanctions? is the president— the preinvasion sanctions? is the president looking _ the preinvasion sanctions? is the president looking at _ the preinvasion sanctions? is the president looking at sanctions i the preinvasion sanctions? is the . president looking at sanctions ahead of vision _ president looking at sanctions ahead of vision in _ president looking at sanctions ahead of vision in any— president looking at sanctions ahead of vision in any way _ president looking at sanctions ahead of vision in any way he _ president looking at sanctions ahead of vision in any way he has _ president looking at sanctions ahead of vision in any way he has been - president looking at sanctions ahead of vision in any way he has been up. of vision in any way he has been up to this _ of vision in any way he has been up to this point — of vision in any way he has been up to this point given _ of vision in any way he has been up to this point given the _ of vision in any way he has been up to this point given the escalation i to this point given the escalation we are _ to this point given the escalation we are seeing— to this point given the escalation we are seeing from _ to this point given the escalation we are seeing from russia? - to this point given the escalation we are seeing from russia? thel we are seeing from russia? the resident we are seeing from russia? president believes that it we are seeing from russia?- president believes that it sanctions are intended to deter. in orderfor them to work to deter they have to be set up in a way that if putin moves then the are equally importantly, we believe that the most important fundamental for anything that unfolds in this crisis because the weather is diplomacy or result of military action is at the west be strong, united and be determined to operate with common purpose. he believes that the sanctions approach is taken in

lockstep with our european partners, the canadians and others puts us in a position for the west to be able to respond to this contingency in the most united and purposeful way possible. that will pay dividends for us. in this circumstance but also pay enormous dividends for the united states in the years and decades to come. fit" united states in the years and decades to come. , ., decades to come. our understanding as there was — decades to come. our understanding as there was a _ decades to come. our understanding as there was a meeting _ decades to come. our understanding as there was a meeting last - decades to come. our understanding as there was a meeting last night i as there was a meeting last night and the _ as there was a meeting last night and the situation _ as there was a meeting last night and the situation room _ as there was a meeting last night and the situation room to- as there was a meeting last night and the situation room to talk- as there was a meeting last night i and the situation room to talk about russia _ and the situation room to talk about russia and _ and the situation room to talk about russia and now— and the situation room to talk about russia and now and _ and the situation room to talk about russia and now and each _ and the situation room to talk about russia and now and each sec. - and the situation room to talk about i russia and now and each sec. blinken are using _ russia and now and each sec. blinken are using sharper— russia and now and each sec. blinken are using sharper rhetoric— russia and now and each sec. blinken are using sharper rhetoric about - russia and now and each sec. blinken are using sharper rhetoric about the i are using sharper rhetoric about the timing _ are using sharper rhetoric about the timing of— are using sharper rhetoric about the timing of the — are using sharper rhetoric about the timing of the invasion. _ are using sharper rhetoric about the timing of the invasion. i— are using sharper rhetoric about the timing of the invasion. i know- are using sharper rhetoric about the timing of the invasion. i know you i timing of the invasion. i know you don't want — timing of the invasion. i know you don't want to _ timing of the invasion. i know you don't want to get _ timing of the invasion. i know you don't want to get into _ timing of the invasion. i know you don't want to get into specific - don't want to get into specific intelligence _ don't want to get into specific intelligence but _ don't want to get into specific intelligence but is _ don't want to get into specific intelligence but is there - don't want to get into specific - intelligence but is there something that popped — intelligence but is there something that popped into _ intelligence but is there something that popped into the _ intelligence but is there something that popped into the meeting - intelligence but is there something that popped into the meeting last. that popped into the meeting last night _ that popped into the meeting last night and — that popped into the meeting last night and has _ that popped into the meeting last night and has change _ that popped into the meeting last night and has change the - night and has change the administrations- night and has change the i administrations assessment overnight? _ administrations assessment overnight?— administrations assessment overniuht? ., ,, w ., ., overnight? so, a speak to internal deliberations _ overnight? so, a speak to internal deliberations at _ overnight? so, a speak to internal deliberations at all _ overnight? so, a speak to internal deliberations at all not _ overnight? so, a speak to internal deliberations at all not get - overnight? so, a speak to internal deliberations at all not get into i deliberations at all not get into the specifics of intelligence information. forsome the specifics of intelligence information. for some time now including out of my own very mouth we have been talking about how we have entered the window where any day now eight military action could

be taken. that was the formula i was using several days ago. now, as we gain more information, our view that military action could occur any day now and could occur before the end of the olympics is only growing in terms of its robustness so that i can stand here and say, that is a very, very distinct possibility. i just want say two things, first, we can't predict the exact determination that putin would make if and when he makes a determination. so all we can say is that the strong possibility of action, the distinct possibility of action, the distinct possibility of action in a relative... jake sullivan saying a russian invasion could come before the end of the winter olympics. he says the world is anyway to wear that invasion could happen, although the us says he doesn't have intelligence to say any final decision has been taken by president putin, jake

sullivan sang that any action could include a rapid assault on the capital kyiv. much more on hello and welcome to dateline london. i'm annita mcveigh. and this week, we assess the diplomatic efforts going on to persuade president putin not to invade ukraine. we also look at the alarming rise in the cost of living and compare what governments are doing to try to ease the pressure. and i'll find out from my guests which stories they think ought to be getting more of our attention. i'm joined by the london correspondent of the sydney morning herald, latika bourke, henry chu of the los angeles times,

and in the studio with me this evening, the bbc�*s special