If Russia continues, we will impose more sanctions. This was stated by US President Joe Biden, who made a statement regarding the situation in Ukraine.
This is his first public statement since Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics as independent states.
Joe Biden announced that he will introduce “the first tranche “of sanctions against Russia in response to Vladimir Putin’s recognition of the two self-proclaimed republics in eastern Ukraine and his decision to move troops to the region.
The president said the United States would impose sanctions on Russian financial institutions, public debt and the country’s elite and members of their families.
The EU did not impose sanctions on Putin, but hit lawmakers and the military
The community is united against Russian aggression
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“They are involved in the corruption games of the Kremlin’s policy and must share the pain,” Biden said, commenting on sanctions against families from Russia’s elite.
Joe Biden noted that the sanctions his administration will impose on Russia will be much tougher than those introduced after the annexation of Crimea in 2014
“And if Russia goes further with this invasion, we are ready to go further, as with sanctions,” Biden said.
The US president claims that Vladimir Putin’s recognition of the two self-proclaimed republics in eastern Ukraine is “gross violation of international law“and demanded a ‘firm response from the international community”.
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Maria Zaharova: Sanctions are illegitimate
The Russian parliament came under attack
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“Who, for God’s sake, gives Putin the right to declare new so-called ‘states’ on territory belonging to his neighbors?” Joe Biden asked rhetorically.
The first sanctions will affect two Russian banks.
Russia announced that cuts a large piece from the territory of Ukraine, Joe Biden recalled.
He pointed out that this is a clear violation of international law, which requires a firm response. The president announced that he would start imposing new sanctions, much more severe than the previous ones.
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London is hitting five Russian banks and three oligarchs with sanctions
The measures were announced by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson
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Russia has said it is cutting a large chunk of Ukraine’s territory, Joe Biden said in a statement from the White House minutes ago.
According to the American president this is the beginning of a great offensive.
Biden said this was a clear violation of international law, which required a firm response. The US president reiterated that he would start imposing new sanctions, much more severe than the previous ones.
Joe Biden said that The United States will continue to provide defense assistance of Ukraine, while Russia moves troops to the eastern region of the country, where the two independent republics have been proclaimed.
Biden also announced that US forces and equipment currently stationed in Europe will be relocated to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuaniato help strengthen the defense of these countries.
“Let me be clear, these are completely defensive moves on our part. We have no intention of fighting Russia,” Biden said.
“However, we want to send an unmistakable message that the United States – along with our allies – will protect every inch of NATO territory and will honor the commitments we have made to NATO.
Joe Biden acknowledged that the new sanctions against Russia could lead to higher gas prices for Americans, and promised to work to limit the financial impact on families.
“Protecting freedom will cost us both here and at home. We have to be honest about that,” Biden said.
He added: “But as we do this, I will take decisive action to make sure that our sanctions are aimed at the Russian economyand not to ours “.
Biden said his administration is closely monitoring energy supplies to prepare for any potential disruptions and is coordinating with oil producers to help mitigate rising prices.
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DW: How Putin declared war
He denied Ukraine’s independence and sent troops, if Europe allows him to get away, a big war is inevitable
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“I want to limit the damage the American people are doing to the gas station,” Biden said. “It’s critical for me.”
Despite Joe Biden’s assessment that Russia has begun its invasion of Ukraine, the president said that “there is still time to prevent the worst case scenario. “
The United States and its allies remain open to diplomatic decision, even as the White House announces its first round of sanctions against Russia, Biden said.
“When everything is said and done, we will judge Russia by its actions, not by its words. And whatever Russia does next, we are ready to respond with unity, clarity and conviction,” Biden said. “I hope diplomacy is still an option.”
With that, Biden finished his prepared notes and walked away from the podium without answering any of the reporters’ questions.
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