While President Biden stated Wednesday that he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin would advance into Ukraine’s territory, he also addressed Russia’s main grievance, which was that Ukraine wouldn’t join NATO in the foreseeable future.
Biden stated that he isn’t so certain he has, but he knows what he’s going to do. He will probably move in, my guess. He must do something.”
Biden spoke at a White House press conference that lasted nearly two hours. He indicated that there was disagreement in NATO regarding imposing tough sanctions on Russia, as it would hurt the economies of some European allies.
Biden stated that Russia will be held responsible if it invades Ukraine, and suggested that a “minor intrusion” by Russia would require a different response from America.
Biden stated, anticipating Russia’s response. It’s fine if there’s only a small incursion, but then we’ll have to fight over what to do.
Biden said that a full-scale invasion of Russia would still have serious consequences and would be “a disaster for Russia.”
Jen Psaki, White House press secretary, released a statement clarifying that any Russian military incursion in Ukraine would be met by a “severe response.” It appeared that she indicated that a less “reciprocal response” would be given to more limited actions like “cyberattacks” and “paramilitary tactics.”
Psaki stated that President Biden had made it clear to the Russian President that any Russian military forces moving across the Ukrainian border would be considered a new invasion. The United States and its Allies will respond swiftly, severely, and unitively. “President Biden knows from experience that Russia has a wide range of aggressive tactics, which includes cyberattacks and paramilitary tactics. He also stated today that the United States will respond to Russian aggression with a united, decisive, and reciprocal response.
He said, “If they do what they can with the forces at the border, it will be a disaster if Russia further invades Ukraine.” “And that our allies are prepared to impose severe costs and significant harm upon Russia and the Russian economic system.”
Biden tried to reassure Russia by downplaying the possibility that Ukraine might join NATO “in the short term”, saying it was “not very probable” due to the need for more work.
Putin described the possibility that Ukraine joins NATO and the alliance deploys weapons there as a “red line” for Moscow. The Kremlin requested that Washington and its allies sign a binding commitment to stop NATO’s expansion into Ukraine, Georgia, or any other ex-Soviet nation.
Biden stated that he was confident in a possible invasion because he said, “The only thing that I am certain of is that decision to be made by Putin.” “Nobody is going to make that decision, and nobody else will be able to influence that decision.” He is making that decision.”
Russian diplomats met last week with representatives from the United States, NATO allies and other officials to discuss security issues in three European cities. This was amid the massive Russian troop and equipment deployments near Ukraine’s borders.
