Pentagon: War in Ukraine would be 'terrifying' 

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the US Armed Forces, Mark Milley, warned of the outbreak of war in Ukraine, stressing that it would be "terrifying". 

"The United States does not have any offensive combat weapons systems, no permanent forces, and no base in Ukraine," Milley said during a press conference. 

"Our role is limited in that we assist with training, advise and assist with tactics, techniques and procedures, and participate in the institutional development of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense," he added. 

He noted that Russian formations close to Ukraine have extended beyond land, air and naval forces to include electronic warfare and logistical capabilities, Reuters reported. 

He explained that the types of Russian forces massed near the Ukrainian border, if unleashed on them, would be "dangerous" and "terrifying.". 

The US general said that his country is ready to fulfill its obligations to NATO, and that it considers an attack on one of the allies an attack against all, adding that if the war begins, "the civilian population will suffer tremendously.". 

Milley added that Washington "strongly encourages Russia to back down," adding that the United States' policy is to continue to support an independent Ukraine, which it has the right to.