Extension of military drills ramps up concerns of Russian invasion

The extension of joint military drills between Russia and Belarus is ramping up concerns of a potential Russian invasion of Ukraine, with top U.S. officials warning on Sunday that an incursion is likely to occur.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken told CNN’s “State of the Union” that the continuation of the exercises is making him more concerned about a potential Russian invasion.

He said the development illustrates that the “playbook” he laid out at the United Nations Security Council meeting last week regarding Russia generating provocations to justify aggression against Ukraine “is going forward.”

During an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Blinken also said that the military exercises are being extended because of “alleged tension in Eastern Ukraine” that is “being created by Russia and its proxies there.”