Biden says Russia is beginning an ‘invasion of Ukraine’
President Joe Biden described the movement of Russian troops into separates regions of Ukraine as “the beginning of a Russian invasion” and unveiled tough new sanctions to punish Moscow on Tuesday.
“This is the beginning of a Russian invasion of Ukraine,” Biden said. “Russia has now undeniably moved against Ukraine by declaring these independent states.” President Vladimir Putin announced to deploy what he called peacekeeping forces into two breakaway regions of Ukraine after recognizing them as independent
“Who in the Lord’s name does Putin think gives him the right to declare new so-called countries on territory that belonged to his neighbors? This is a flagrant violation of international law and demands a firm response from the international community,” Biden said.
Biden laid out what he called a “first tranche” of US sanctions against Russia for its moves, including on two large financial institutions called V.E.B. and their military bank, Russian sovereign debt and Russian elites and their family members. He said the moves would effectively “cut off Russia’s government from Western finance.” It means that Russia can no longer raise money from the West and cannot trade in its new debt on our markets or European markets either, he expalined.
Biden said United States worked with Germany to ensure Nord Stream 2 will not move forward.
“As Russia contemplates its next move, we have our next move prepared as well. Russia will pay an even steeper price if it continues its aggression, including additional sanctions” Biden warned.
Meanwhile, the United States will continue to provide defensive assistance to Ukraine in the meantime and continue to reinforce and reassure our NATO Allies, Biden added.
“And whatever Russia does next, we’re ready to respond with unity, clarity, and conviction” he said mentioning that the option of diplomacy is still available.
