Ukraine conflict: Biden wants to issue a clear warning to Putin - but instead causes a stir
Created: 01/20/2022, 08:15
US President Biden wanted to make his position clear to his Russian colleague Putin in the Ukraine conflict.
One statement, however, causes confusion.
Kiev/Moscow - how exactly does he mean that?
US President Joe Biden caused irritation with statements about a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine.
At a press conference in the White House on Wednesday (local time), the US Democrat appeared to imply that the threat of NATO sanctions could depend on the extent of a potential Russian invasion.
"It's one thing when it's a minor intrusion," Biden said.
"But if they actually do what they are able to do with the forces gathered at the border, it will be catastrophic for Russia."
Ukraine conflict: Ukraine 'shocked' by Biden statement
The US broadcaster CNN quoted an unnamed Ukrainian government official as saying he was "shocked that US President Biden distinguished between intrusion and invasion".
This gives Russian President Vladimir Putin * "the green light to invade Ukraine at will".
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham was "stunned" by Biden's statement.
The US President had answered questions from journalists at a press conference on his first year in office.
White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki sought clarification shortly after Biden's appearance. "President Biden has made it clear to the Russian President that if Russian forces move across the Ukrainian border, it will be another invasion, and the United States and our allies will respond quickly, harshly, and as one," Psaki said. However, the US President knows that Russia has "an extensive range of instruments for aggression" below the threshold of military action - for example cyber attacks and paramilitary tactics. Biden has reiterated that even such aggression by Russians “will be met with a resolute, mutual, and collective response.”
Biden spokeswoman must clarify statement on Ukraine conflict - "No child's play for Russia"
President of the United States Joe Biden speaks during a press conference in the East Room of the White House.
© Susan Walsh/dpa
Referring to the tough sanctions threatened by the US and its allies, Biden said an invasion would not be "child's play" for Russia.
Militarily, Russia has an "overwhelming superiority" over Ukraine.
"But if they do, they will pay a heavy price.
Immediate, short term, medium term and long term.” He suspected that Russian soldiers would invade Ukraine but did not believe that Putin wanted “a full-fledged war”.
Putin wants to put the West to the test, but underestimates the consequences.
For months, the United States and NATO have accused Russia of planning an attack on Ukraine.
Russia denies this every day.
Above all, Russia wants to use the deployment near Ukraine to create a threatening backdrop because it says it sees itself increasingly threatened by NATO expansion.
Moscow is demanding binding security guarantees from the West.
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