Washington (AFP) — Russian forces deployed near Ukraine’s eastern border are “more lethal” than before and heavily armed with artillery and air defense weaponry, the Pentagon said Thursday.

“The force that we see arrayed on the border is exceptionally capable, probably more capable, more lethal than anything that we’ve seen up until now,” spokesman Colonel Steven Warren told reporters, saying there were more than 10,000 Russian troops in place.

AFP Photo/Anatolii Stepanov

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