175,000 soldiers, capture of Kyiv and removal of Zelensky: what the US knew about Putin's intentions before the invasion.

According to Bob Woodward's book, in October 2021, US intelligence obtained detailed information about Russia's plans for an invasion of Ukraine. According to these data, Russia planned to deploy 175,000 military personnel for a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The goal was to seize control over the entire territory of the country, remove President Zelensky, and take control of the capital Kyiv. US intelligence had precise information on how Russia planned to capture specific cities and how responsibilities were distributed between Russian military and special services for maintaining control over them.

CIA Director William Burns stated in a meeting with President Biden: "

This is what Putin plans to do".

According to him, the intelligence was confident in Russia's intentions. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was impressed by the level of detail in the intelligence: "

The plan is very well worked out, the final decision has not yet been made, but everything is ready to pull the trigger".

Meanwhile, the American leadership had difficulty understanding Putin's logic. As Blinken noted: "

When we look at this from our perspective, it sounds crazy. But if you put yourself in Putin's place, maybe not so crazy".

According to intelligence, Putin believed that most Ukrainians would welcome Russian troops, the consequences for Russia would be short-term, high energy prices would complicate Europe's joining US sanctions, and Western resolve would weaken over Time due to food shortages, inflation, and the energy crisis.

President Biden instructed his team to try to prevent the invasion and fully prepare for it. "

If this happens, we must be in the most advantageous position so that our response strengthens, not weakens, our interests"

, said Biden. To warn Putin, Biden sent CIA Director Burns to Moscow. At a meeting with Putin, Burns stated: "

We are concerned that you are seriously considering a large-scale invasion of Ukraine. That would be a mistake"

.

Burns warned of the consequences: "

We will rally the West, we will impose tough economic sanctions, devastating economic sanctions. Ukraine is a sovereign state. We will continue to support Ukraine. We will adjust our military presence in Europe".

Putin in response called Ukraine "weak and divided" and said that "the interests of Russia require control over Ukraine's choice". After the meeting, Burns reported to Biden: "

I got a very strong impression that Putin has almost made the decision to start a war".

According to Woodward's book, Putin ultimately became obsessed with the "Ukrainian question" during isolation due to COVID.