U.S. media release new data on Russia's probable attack on Ukraine

U.S. intelligence officials determined that Russian planning is underway for a possible military offensive against Ukraine that could begin as soon as early 2022, according to Associated Press.

"The new intelligence finding estimates that the Russians are planning to deploy an estimated 175,000 troops and almost half of them are already deployed along various points near Ukraine's border, according to a Biden administration official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the finding," the report said.

The official added that the plans call for the movement of 100 battalion tactical groups along with armor, artillery and equipment.

Intelligence officials also have seen an uptick in Russian propaganda efforts through the use of proxies and media outlets to denigrate Ukraine and NATO ahead of a potential invasion, the official said.

The Washington Post, in turn, wrote it had an unclassified U.S. intelligence document with satellite photos, which shows Russian troops amassing in three locations near Ukraine's border, as well as in Russia-occupied Crimea. Currently, 50 battlefield tactical groups are deployed, along with "newly arrived" tanks and artillery, according to the document.

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