The Biden administration is reportedly considering supplying Javelin anti-tank missiles and Mi-17 helicopters, as well as military advisers, to Ukraine as Russia masses armed forces near its borders.
It comes as the U.S. shared intelligence with European allies suggesting that the buildup could be the first step in a three-pronged invasion.
Ukrainian officials fear an attack could come as soon as January after Russia sent more than 92,000 troops to the border.
As a result, U.S. officials are urgently weighing a package of lethal aid that could include anti-armor missiles, mortars and air defense systems such as stinger missiles, according to CNN.
The Javelin anti-tank missiles could prove essential to stopping Russian T-80 tanks that are among the armaments sent by Moscow to forward positions.
Another option is to send Russian-made Mi-17 helicopters that were bought for Afghanistan but now need a new destination.
However, others in the administration fear sending military aid would be seen as a major provocation in Moscow.
A map shared with Military Times and replicated above shows how Ukrainian intelligence is bracing for a bloody and ferocious invasion that could see swathes of Ukraine captured in an assault which would dwarf the annexation of the Crimea in 2014
A satellite image released by Maxar Technologies and taken on November 1, 2021 shows the presence of a large ground forces deployment on the northern edge of the town of Yelnya, Smolensk Oblast, Russia, near the border with Ukraine
Javelin anti-tank missiles - seen hearing being used by Australian Army soldiers - could prove effective in stopping Russia's T-80 tanks which have been sent close to the Ukrainian border
Massive Russian-Belarusian joint drill were held in September, further increasing anxieties of an imminent invasion (pictured: Tanks and missile batteries taking part in the exercises last month)
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said Washington was in touch with European partners about the buildup.
'We continue to have serious concerns about Russian military activities and harsh rhetoric toward Ukraine and call on Moscow to deescalate tensions,' she said.
Warnings intensified on Monday as it emerged that U.S. had shared maps with European allies showing how a buildup of Russian troops and artillery could allow Putin to order a rapid invasion.
According to Bloomberg, which cited people familiar with the conversations, the intelligence lays out a scenario for a three-pronged attack.
Troops would cross into Ukraine from Crimea, the Russian border
