In December 2021, President Biden and senior officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken and CIA Director William Burns, repeatedly warned that Russia was planning a major military action. Intelligence assessments suggested that Russia aimed to capture key cities and possibly overthrow the Ukrainian government. U.S. officials also engaged in diplomatic efforts to deter Russia through sanctions threats, military aid to Ukraine, and negotiations, but Russia ultimately proceeded with its invasion on February 24, 2022