WARSAW

The head of Poland's National Security Bureau said Thursday that Russia's intention to attack Ukraine is clearer than ever, despite Moscow saying it withdrew some of its troops from the border.

"The probability of Russia attacking Ukraine is higher today than yesterday," said Pawel Soloch. "Recent reports are truly alarming. We don't care if the troops are withdrawn or not. We are looking at the concrete evidence that Russia has announced."

He said they heard that the number of Russian military units has been increased in the region, and there could be an attack in the direction of the capital Kyiv from the cities of Lugansk and Donbas.

"It (attack) can also be from Odessa or the seaside. Russia has enough forces and is ready (for attack). The most dangerous scenario is for that to happen," he said.

Russia, accused of amassing thousands of troops near its border with Ukraine, has announced that some of its soldiers have left for their bases after combat missions ended.

It also denies preparation for an attack. The West, however, remains skeptical, with officials saying Russia could strike any time.

On Thursday, Moscow said Washington failed to give "a constructive response" to central issues such as halting NATO's eastward expansion.

*Writing by Jeyhun Aliyev in Ankara