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Joe Biden: "The United States will defend every inch of NATO territory with the full force of American might"
PHOTO: JOSHUA ROBERTS/POOL/EPA
According to US President Joe Biden, a Russian invasion of Ukraine is "still" a clear possibility.
Recent statements from Moscow that some troops would be withdrawn from the border with Ukraine have not yet been independently confirmed, Biden said in the White House on Tuesday.
US intelligence indicated that Russian forces remained in a "threatening position," Biden said.
The United States is still ready for a diplomatic settlement of the conflict, stressed Biden.
"We should give diplomacy every chance to succeed," Biden said.
"And I believe there are real ways to address our respective security concerns." Biden stressed, "The United States and NATO do not pose a threat to Russia. Ukraine does not threaten Russia." Nor did the US seek to target Russia destabilize.
"To the citizens of Russia: you are not our enemy."
Biden threatens "huge" sanctions
However, if Russia decides to use force, the US will act quickly and decisively, Biden said.
The US government and its allies are ready to impose "huge" sanctions.
An invasion would prove to be a "self-inflicted wound" for Russia.
The US President also warned the Russian government against "asymmetric" attacks on targets in the US and allied countries.
As an example, he cited cyber attacks on companies or critical infrastructure.
"We are prepared to respond."
“We will continue to conduct military exercises with our allies and partners to improve defense readiness,” said the US President.
Should Russia invade Ukraine, the US would increase its presence in NATO.
Biden also said: "The United States will defend every inch of NATO territory with the full strength of American force."
According to US President Joe Biden, the sanctions and punitive measures against Moscow announced in the event of a Russian invasion of Ukraine would also have consequences for US citizens – for example higher fuel prices.
If Russia invades Ukraine, “there will be consequences here at home,” Biden said at the White House on Tuesday.
"The American people understand that defending democracy and freedom is never without cost."
The US imports large amounts of crude oil from Russia.
For Europe, Russia is important as a natural gas producer.
Biden's government has made efforts to allow more LNG shipments to Europe in the event of a Russian supply failure.
ime/dpa/AFP