BRUSSELS, Feb 17 —The United States has seen Russia stocking up on blood supplies, inching troops closer to Ukraine’s borders and flying in more combat aircraft, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said today, 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.” — Reuters