President Joe Biden said there would be enormous impacts in Europe should Russia invade Ukraine – and said such a move would bring ‘severe consequences’ for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Biden was speaking at Capitol Hill’s gift shop as he continued to fulfill his promise to go out more often, even though he was only minutes away from the White House.
After reviewing gifts for his family and speaking in front of the national media, he issued harsh pronouncements about global issues.
It would mark the ‘largest invasion invading European nation since World War II. Biden stated that it would “change the world” if Putin entered.
Biden stated that there would be serious economic and political consequences.
The Whale of Problem: This would be the ‘largest invasion since World War II. The Russians could invade Ukraine, the President Biden stated. At a D.C. store selling gifts, he spoke.
Additionally, he provided a detailed explanation on how the U.S. would prepare to send troops to NATO forces to help if necessary. There are already 8,500 troops ordered to be on ‘heightened alert’
‘I’d feel obliged to beef up our presence, NATO’s presence, on the eastern front,’ Biden said, with Russia having amassed more than 100,000 of its own troops on its western border and in Belarus.
Biden indicated that some troops may be moved in the short term because they take time.
‘I’ve spoken with every one of our NATO allies. We’re all on the same page,’ Biden said.
He claimed that potential reinforcements weren’t provocative.
The President Biden chose a necklace, a sweatshirt and spoke about developments in Europe.
‘I don’t think even his people know for certain what he is going to do,’ Biden said of Russian President Vladimir Putin
He stated that there is not much concern regarding the security of Western European allies. ‘But in Eastern Europe there’s reason for concern. They’re along the Russian border, the Belarus border,’ he said.
He warned about the possibility of’spillover’ effects.
Biden, as he did in the past says that he doesn’t know Putins intentions. ‘I don’t think even his people know for certain what he is going to do,’ the president said.
Biden’s comments came a day after the breezed through a question on his teleconference with European leaders, shortly before calling Fox News reporter Peter Doocy a ‘stupid son of a b**ch.’
He made his remarks at HoneyMade, a gift store in Washington, D.C. He chose a sweatshirt, and mentioned that he had a grandchild in California. This could be a reference to Beau Biden Jr. Hunter’s son.
Also, he told reporters that he bought a necklace specifically for Jill Biden.
Biden chose a $20 coffee cup with Kamala Harris’ likeness, as the latest sign that he is going to keep Vice President Kamala on the ticket. Biden said that he would also buy this one.
It is conveniently located near the Marine barracks in Southeast Washington, DC.
According to the store’s website, it was founded as a local designer and maker of accessories and fashion for children, women and babies. Then, HoneyMade opened its doors. You will find a variety of merchandise from our favorite artists and designers.
The White House says that ‘
This afternoon, the President is visiting local small business Honey Made, owned by Viboonrattana “Moo” Honey. Honey Made was established in 2021. This is a testament to the phenomenal growth of small businesses since the beginning of the Biden Harris administration.
His decision to leave Washington’s White House was made during an era of high tension. His assistants brief the staff at Capitol in Ukraine.
And Biden’s comments came after Ukraine’s Foreign Minister on Tuesday warned great powers not to make any back door deals with Vladimir Putin as Russia inches closer to invading Ukraine and the U.S. weighs troop deployment.
Dmytro Kuleba, the Ukrainian foreign minister, stated that if anyone offers a concession to Ukraine, it will be against Ukraine’s wishes. We will not accept a nation that talks on the phone and hears instructions from the major power, then acts accordingly. No.’
He said, “We have paid a lot to get the right to determine our future and our destiny. We will not accept any concessions from anyone.”
Kuleba stated that any person who arrives in Kyiv asking for further concessions, he will expel them from the country and arrange for an escort at the airport.
According to Kuleba, leaders in Ukraine are now ignoring Biden’s comments last week at a press conference that suggested the U.S. wouldn’t act if Russia only committed a minor incursion against Ukraine.
After the White House apologized, Republican protests arose over Republican claims that there was no such thing a “minor incursion” in case of a Russian invasion.
Kuleba said that U.S. officials privately confirmed to Ukrainian officials their commitment to “slashing Russia” if there is an invasion or intrusion.
Ukrainian leadership is not happy with the way the Biden administration is responding to the threat of Russia invading – specifically as the State Department evacuated embassy staff and their families from Kyiv.
A top American diplomat involved in negotiations with Iran has resigned after calling for tougher sanctions.
An official from the State Department confirmed that Richard Nephew (known as the architect for sanctions against Tehran) had been removed as U.S. Special Envoy for Iran.
The Wall Street Journal reports that other negotiators resigned because they desired a more difficult negotiating position.
According to reports, the team disagreed on policy and tried to enforce existing sanctions or pull out from the negotiations altogether.
They are leaving at an important time, a blow for President Joe Biden’s foreign policies and a State Department struggling with Russian diplomats that appear to be poised for conflict, in negotiations that began two months ago.
Diplomats from the West say that they are hopeful of reaching a compromise in the next weeks, but there remain critical differences between them and Britain warned Tuesday about a possible impasse.
The Biden administration is currently facing bipartisan criticism from home about its stance on Iran, as it builds up its nuclear arsenal at breakneck pace.
The details of the internal policy discussions were not discussed by a State Department representative.
Dmytro Kuleba is the Ukrainian Foreign Minister and warned world leaders against making deals ‘behind Ukraine’s Back’. Russia has continued to increase its forces at Ukraine’s border amid increasing fears of invasion.
Russia already has a presence at Ukraine’s eastern border with more than 100,000 soldiers and thousands of troops elsewhere. Tensions are rising and fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine will only increase.
American politicians press Biden to place preemptive sanctions against Russia in advance of any possible invasion. Russian President Vladimir Putin meets students from top Russian universities in Moscow, Tuesday, January 25, 2022.
According to an insider close to the Ukraine president, Volodymyr Zelensky believes there is no imminent threat to Ukraine.
On Monday, the BuzzFeed News source spoke out against the government’s decision to tell American citizens living in Ukraine to evacuate the country. They also pulled embassy staff.
Source said that the U.S. had been the first to make this announcement was extremely disappointing.
‘Quite frankly these Americans are safer in Kyiv than they are in Los Angeles … or any other crime-ridden city in the U.S.,’ the Zelensky source added in taking aim at the spiking crime rates in U.S. cities.
The State Department stated that the United States had ordered families of diplomats living in Kiev, Ukraine, to evacuate the country on Sunday “due to the continuing threat” of an invasion by Russia.
American citizens living in the United States were also warned by the administration to flee the country. The government claimed that the U.S. would not be able evacuate them if Russia invades.
State Department officials stated that despite the assertions of the President, Russia can launch military actions at any given time, it will not be possible for the US to evacuate its citizens. This was in response to a call by the press over the weekend.
They suggested that U.S. citizens who are currently in Ukraine plan to do so, and suggest people book commercial flights.
According to a source, Zelensky’s office considers the actions of Biden as “utterly absurd” and symbolism for the ‘U.S. inconsistency.’
“On the one hand,” [Washington tells Ukraine]How we can democratize. We stand by you. It is your choice to choose to become a member of the West. In a resemblance to past U.S. messages, the source stated that we will support you against Russian aggression.
Source lamented that Russia would raise the temperature, and then they’d be the ones to flee.
Oleg Nikolenko, spokesperson for Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry, criticized President Biden Monday for pulling relatives and embassy staff out of Kyiv.
“We took note” [the State Department]The family has taken the decision to leave. [US Embassy in Kiev]Staff,” Nikolenko tweeted in the wee hours of Monday morning.
‘While we respect right (sic) of foreign nations to ensure safety & security of foreign nations to ensure safety & security of their diplomatic missions, we believe such a step to be a premature one & an instance of excessive caution.’
Nikolenko pointed out that the European Union does not tell its employees to leave.
Biden’s team has prepared contingency plans in case Russia stops its crude oil or natural gas exports.
In case Russia is not available, the United States will work with oil producers from Asia, North Africa and Middle East. This was a top administration official who spoke to reporters on Tuesday morning.
American officials have also pledged harsher sanctions should Russia invade their neighbor. It will be a more aggressive approach to Russia’s aggression than that taken in 2014.
“The gradualism that was in the past has ended.” This time we’ll begin at the top of escalation ladder, and then stay there,” the official from the administration stated on the briefing.
According to a report, members of Biden’s administration will host two secret briefings in Congress Tuesday. These briefings are intended to inform leadership aides as well as committee staff about the current situation in Ukraine.
Congress is not in session this week. Therefore, members of both the House and Senate must wait until next week before they can get briefings with administration officials.
Both Nancy Pelosi, House Speaker, and Chuck Schumer the Senate Majority Leader have requested full chamber briefings as Russia builds up its military presence on its border with Ukraine.
John Kirby, Pentagon Spokesperson announced that 8.500 U.S. troops were on standby to be deployed to Eastern European countries during Monday’s briefing. This was as the world awaits news from Russia on whether it will invade Ukraine.
Kirby stated that the troops are on alert, but no decision was made about deployments. He said that transportation and intelligence units are also included in the group of troops on high alert.
Allies of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization are moving additional military equipment, including naval and air assets, into the region.
According to the New York Times, President Joe Biden has been considering sending up to 50,000 troops into Eastern Europe and the Baltic countries. However, this plan does not involve sending U.S. troops directly to Ukraine.
Members of Joe Biden’s administration will hold two classified congressional briefings on Tuesday to update leadership aides and committee staff on the deteriorating situation in Ukraine after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer demanded full-chamber briefings
Punchbowl News’ Tuesday morning newsletter featured a Biden official saying that since the crisis began, Secretary of States Antony Blinken (Secretary) and Deputy Secretary Wendy Sherman had spoken to nearly 20 lawmakers in just six weeks. The officials also stated they plan to make more calls this week.
Biden, according to the official, had a conversation December 7 with the ‘Big Four’ party leaders about Ukraine and Russia – the group consists of Pelosi, Schumer and House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell.
The president was also met by a bipartisan group made up of senators, who recently returned to Kyiv from Kyiv.
Jake Sullivan, the National Security Adviser held six briefings at Congress for leadership and leaders of national security and other committees.
McConnell said Monday to CNN’s Manu Raju that he had spoken recently with Sullivan about the escalating Ukraine–Russia conflict.
Although there were nine briefings by interagency for national security committees, and eight for committee leadership and committee staff, the leadership wants to have the entire chamber briefed on this matter by the administration.
Many legislators are pushing for diplomatic solutions rather than troop deployment. Some are also calling for preemptive sanction.
Republicans have criticised President Biden as being too talkative and inaction regarding sanctioning Kremlin.
John Kirby, Pentagon Spokesperson, stated Monday that 8.500 U.S. soldiers were on standby. He refused to provide any details regarding the troop units that could deploy to Eastern Europe.
Some have even called for Russia’s expulsion from SWIFT, the global financial transaction facilitator.
The House and Senate have both been working to create legislation to strengthen Ukraine’s defenses, and penalize Russia for the possibility of invasion.
Eight senators from both parties met on Monday to review a Democrat’s Russia sanctions bill. The aim was to prevent Vladimir Putin from invading Ukraine. Four Democrats and four Republicans discussed possible revisions to proposed legislation, which could win support from 10 additional GOP members.
According to Politico’s report, the preliminary discussions revolved around Senator Foreign Relations Chair Bob Menendez’s “mother of all sanction” legislation. It authorizes severe financial penalties, which would only apply in the instance of Russian invading Ukraine.
Biden’s disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan means that Republicans are skeptical about how President Obama will handle Europe’s impending conflict. Congress will be alerted to American participation in Europe five months after the disaster that was Afghanistan’s pullout.
According to The New York Times, NATO and Biden are likely to write to Russian President Vladimir Putin to request a diplomatic option to prevent conflict.
Three areas are on the top of Putin’s potential for compromise – assurances that Ukraine won’t enter NATO, the group’s vow not to further expand and a restoration to Russia’s influence in the region before the strategic map of Europe was redrawn in the 1990s.
Biden will deliver the State of the Union Address on March 1. However, the president might need to give a national address about rising tensions within Eastern Europe prior to that date. This is especially important if the possibility of a troop deployment increases between now and then.
In a video conference Monday afternoon between President Biden and leaders of the European Union (France, Germany, Italy), Poland, Poland, Germany, France and Britain, the call lasted approximately 90 minutes.
Biden stated that it was a great meeting during Monday’s meeting with his cabinet regarding inflation. Total unanimity among all European leaders. Later, we’ll discuss it.
He was unable to discuss the latest news from Europe regarding the conflict worsening.
NATO members discussed their joint efforts to prevent further Russian aggression towards Ukraine. This included preparations for Russia to inflict severe economic consequences as well as impose large-scale sanctions on Russia.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg claimed that leaders met and agreed on the’severe consequences’ for Russia should Moscow invade Ukraine.
He wrote, “We agree to any further aggression of #Russia against Ukraine will incur severe costs,”
The Pentagon clarified U.S. strategy in light of reports that U.S. may consider massive troop deployments up to 50,000.
John Kirby, Defense Department spokesperson, stated that “this is about getting people ready to go.” He also claimed that the vast majority of troops will be from ground forces.
He stated that they were ready to stand by in case NATO activates NATO Response Force (NRF), or in the face of a “deteriorating security environment”.
“There is no mission in itself, but this is about [Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin]Kirby explained to reporters that Kirby was trying to prevent activation of units and ensure they have enough time to prepare.
NATO Response Force comprises approximately 40,000 troops from around the world, including special operations forces (SOF) and land, sea, and air units.
Kirby stated that the move sent a clear message to NATO that the United States is committed and that it will ensure that allies are equipped with the necessary capabilities to protect themselves.
Russia is continuing to move and build up forces in Ukraine while the U.S. calls for preemptive sanctions before any invasion. Here a screen shot is taken from a Russian Defense Ministry Press Service video showing an armored vehicle driving off a railway platform after arrival in Belarus on Wednesday, January 19, 2022
He said that the troops are on “heightened alert” and do not plan to deploy.
They would dedicate the bulk of them to the NRF, which could be activated by the Western defensive alliance. Austin added however that the 8,500 soldiers should be positioned for any other contingencies.
Kirby stated that most of the standby troops are active duty military personnel. However, Kirby didn’t rule out the possibility to have reserve units assembled.
Austin directed the troops to be ready for deployment under the command of President Joe Biden.
Kirby stated that the unit flagged to be deployed to Eastern Europe will be announced and notified in the very near future.
He added that “it’s quite clear the Russians don’t intend right now to de-escalating,”