US defense secretary calls for international response if Russia invades Ukraine. Photo/Illustration
Speaking after meeting with his South Korean counterpart, Austin noted that any response or retaliatory action would be taken as part of the international community.
“However, the best case is that we will not see the Soviet Union invade Ukraine,” said Austin, who accidentally referred to Russia by his old name. Washington Examiner, Friday (12/3/2021).
When asked about whether the consequences of the invasion were purely economic, Austin did not answer the question directly, only acknowledging that the “best method” would be used.
Also read: US on Russia: Withdraw Troops from Ukraine’s Borders, or Prepare for Sanctions
Austin is the latest US official to talk about a possible Russian strike in Ukraine. The day before, Foreign Minister Antony Blinken pointed to evidence that Russia is making plans for significant aggressive action against Ukraine.
Blinken notes the similarities between recent events and with Russia’s invasion of Crimea in 2014 as an indicator of what could happen.
“Now, we have seen these guidelines before, in 2014, when Russia last invaded Ukraine. Then, as now, they significantly increased the combat power near the border,” he explained.
Also read: US Secretary of State: Russia’s Aggression in Ukraine Will Have Serious Consequences
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