NATO: Russia Poised to Hit Ukraine

According to NATO commander Gen. Philip Breedlove, Russia has massed 40,000 troops within striking distance of Ukraine, and could attack on 12 hours' notice. In addition, according to Breedlove, the troops could accomplish military objectives within three to five days. The assessment comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly told German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday that he had begun to remove troops from the border area. Breedlove said that Putin has instead only put one battalion on the move, which is roughly 400 to 500 troops, and it may not even be for a withdrawal. The Russian force contains warplanes, helicopters, artillery, as well as field hospitals and logistics to support an invasion.