Biden: In the event of an invasion of Ukraine, the Russian Federation will face catastrophic economic sanctions | News from Germany about world events | DW

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US President Joseph Biden warned that Russia would pay a “high price” if it went for a military invasion of Ukraine. The corresponding statement was made by the American leader on Wednesday, January 19, at a press conference in the White House dedicated to the anniversary of his inauguration.

“Russia will be held accountable if it invades,” and the scale of the response depends on what “it does,” Biden said. “It’s one thing if it’s a minor intervention and we end up arguing about what to do and what not to do,” he said. “However, if they (the Russian side. – Ed.) will really do what they can … It will be a disaster for Russia if they continue to invade Ukraine,” the American leader warned.

“Banks of the Russian Federation will not be able to carry out transactions with dollars”

According to the head of the White House, Russian President Vladimir Putin “never saw sanctions like those that” will be introduced if he takes this step.

Joseph Biden warned that there would be “tough economic consequences”. “Them (the Russian side – Ed.) banks will not be able to carry out transactions with dollars,” he said.

The American leader added that the answer will follow even if Moscow “continues to use” its cyber capabilities. At the same time, answering a clarifying question from journalists, Biden admitted that among NATO allies there is still no consensus on how to respond if there is “minor interference” from the Kremlin. On this score, “there are disagreements” between the partners, the head of the US administration stated.

Biden did not rule out another summit with Putin

Speaking about his personal perception of what Vladimir Putin’s next steps might be, Biden said: “I’m not sure he knows exactly what he’s going to do.” “He must do something,” the American leader said, adding that in the situation with the President of the Russian Federation, a specific decision may even depend on “which half of the bed” he wakes up on.

Commenting on Washington’s diplomatic efforts, the head of the American state admitted that he was not completely sure that the Russian officials with whom high-ranking White House advisers were negotiating were fully informed about Putin’s plans. “The question is whether those with whom they (American officials – Ed.) talking about what he’s going to do,” Biden said.

At the same time, the head of administration added that there is a possibility of holding another summit with the President of the Russian Federation to defuse tensions. The first meeting between Putin and Biden took place on June 16, 2021 in Geneva. Later, on December 7 last year, a video summit of the two leaders took place.

Non-deployment of strategic weapons in Ukraine

Speaking at the White House, Biden admitted the possibility of reaching certain agreements with Moscow on the issue of non-deployment of strategic weapons in Ukraine. According to the US President, Putin told him that he expected two things: confirmation that Kiev would never become a member of NATO, and that strategic weapons would not be stationed in Ukraine. “We can come to something on the second point,” the American leader suggested, adding that Washington would expect retaliatory steps from Moscow “in the European part of Russia.”

“Probability of Ukraine joining NATO is not too high”

The probability of Ukraine joining NATO in the short term is low, since not all the requirements for joining the alliance have been met by Kiev, Joseph Biden said. “The likelihood that Ukraine will join NATO in the short term is not too high, given that they have a lot more work to do” on democracy issues, the American leader added. He also stressed that Washington’s allies should also be ready to receive Kiev.

The news is being added.

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