Intelligence obtained by authorities in the United States has revealed some Russian officials are having doubts over a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Russia is thought to have amassed 70% of the military personnel and weapons necessary to invade Ukraine, but as White House national security advisor Jake Sullivan has warned an invasion could happen 'any day now', intercepted communications obtained by the US may suggest not all officials are on board.
The intel comes after Ukraine's former defence minister, Andriy Zagorodnyuk, said last week that Russia already had enough troops in place to seize Kyiv or another Ukrainian city, with the country having reportedly constructed housing and personnel camps as well as supply lines such as medical units and fuel.
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According to four people familiar with the intelligence cited by CNN, Russian officials fear the invasion of Ukraine could be more difficult and expensive than Russian President Vladimir Putin and other Kremlin leaders realise.
Three of the four sources claim the officials having doubts include intelligence and military operatives, while two said they have also expressed complaints about their plans being discovered and exposed publicly by western nations.
In spite of this there is no evidence to suggest the officials sharing these opinions are actually opposed to a plan of invasion, or that they would revolt against Putin's orders, according to two of the sources, though one of those familiar with the intel noted that the apparent expansion and development of Putin's plans may indicate the concerns have been heard by senior officials.
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Meanwhile, another source familiar with the US intelligence stressed to CNN that Russia has a professional military which would be expected to effectively carry out Putin's orders.
A senior European official cited by the publication commented: 'In the assessments we see it is clear some people on the [Russian] defense side are not really understanding what the game plan is.' The assessments also reportedly indicate the defense personnel think 'it's a very difficult game plan to stand up.'
US officials are said to have fairly strong insights into the Russian military and foreign ministry, and the buildup of forces near Ukraine has offered the US increased visibility, but due to limited visibility into Putin and his inner circle it remains unclear to US officials whether the Russian president has made any concrete plans to attack.
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As lower-level operatives carry out orders from the Kremlin, Putin and the most senior Russian officials are able to keep themselves more distanced from the operations.
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Topics: Vladimir Putin, Russia, World News
Emily Brown