The United States has warned that any Russian invasion of Ukraine would be horrific and terrible leading to a significant number of casualties.

During a news conference at the Pentagon, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley also warned that the scale of Russia's forces near its border with Ukraine meant an attack that would have severe consequences.

Speaking on the occasion, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to de-escalate the situation saying that the conflict is not inevitable and there is still time and space for diplomacy.