Biden to warn Putin of severe economic consequences if Russia invades Ukraine in call
Global News
The U.S. is trying to prevent Russia from launching military action against Ukraine after Moscow massed tens of thousands of troops on the Ukraine border.
U.S. President Joe Biden will warn Russian President Vladimir Putin of severe economic consequences should Russia go ahead with an invasion of Ukraine, a senior U.S. administration official said on Monday.
Biden and Putin are to hold a video call on Tuesday as the United States tries to head off Russia from launching military action against Ukraine after Moscow massed tens of thousands of troops on the Ukraine border.
Biden spoke to the leaders of France, Germany, Italy and Britain ahead of the call on Monday, discussing their “shared concern about the Russian military build-up on Ukraine’s borders and Russia’s increasingly harsh rhetoric.” They also called on Russia to de-escalate tensions. The official, in a briefing to reporters, said the United States has been working with European allies about a strong response should an invasion go forward. He added that the United States and Europe would impose severe economic pain.
“We believe there is a way forward to allow us to send a clear message to Russia that there will be enduring and meaningful costs” should an invasion take place, the official said.
Russia has dismissed U.S. media reports about a possible Russian attack on Ukraine, accusing Washington of trying to aggravate the situation while blaming Moscow.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke on Monday with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and reiterated Washington’s “unwavering support” for Ukraine in the face of “Russian aggression,” the U.S. State Department said.
Zelenskiy said in a tweet that he and Blinken agreed to continue “joint and concerted action.”
Russia has a potential diplomatic off-ramp through the Minsk agreement if it wishes, the official said. This is a previously negotiated agreement aimed at ending war in the Donbas region of Ukraine.
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