WASHINGTON, Feb 14 (Reuters) - A Russian invasion of Ukraine could begin at any time, including this week, the White House said on Monday (Feb 14) as it reiterated that the path to diplomacy remains open to resolving the standoff.

Deputy press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters that the United States is "clear-eyed" about the situation on the ground with tens of thousands of Russian troops massed along the Ukraine border.

France's foreign minister said on Monday that Europe was ready to impose massive sanctions if a Russian invasion happened, and that everything was in place for Russian forces to invade quickly in Ukraine.

"If the question is are there elements in place so that there is a major offensive by Russian forces in Ukraine, then yes it's true. It's possible and quickly," Jean-Yves Le Drian told France 5 TV.

He said the assessment was shared by Paris and its allies, although he said nothing indicated that Russian President Vladimir Putin had made that decision.

"It's blowing hot and cold," he said, suggesting that Russia was leaving the door open for dialogue.

Two European diplomatic sources said the United States had told its allies last Friday that one scenario was that Moscow could launch an offensive this Wednesday.

When asked whether sanctions were ready should there by a Russian attack, Le Drian said that was the case and they would be massive even if they would also have a boomerang effect on Europe.

The minister said it was important to pursue dialogue to avoid a disastrous conflict that would hurt all sides.