U.S. says Russia inching troops closer to Ukraine, stocking up on blood supplies

U.S. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin attends a news conference following a NATO Defence Ministers meeting in Brussels, Belgium, February 17, 2022. REUTERS/Johanna Geron

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The United States has seen Russia stocking up on blood supplies, inching troops closer to Ukraine's borders and flying in more combat aircraft, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Thursday, dismissing Moscow claims of withdrawal.

"I was a soldier myself not that long ago. I know firsthand that you don't do these sorts of things for no reason," said Austin, a retired Army general. "And you certainly don't do them if you're getting ready to pack up and go home."