Russian President Vladimir Putin might authorize a false flag operation against Ukraine to create a pretext for a military conflict, according to Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

“No one should be surprised if Russia instigates a provocation or incident, then tries to use it to justify military intervention, hoping that by the time the world realizes the ruse, it’ll be too late,” Blinken told reporters. “The idea that Ukraine is the aggressor in this situation is absurd.”