Tuesday’s statement by President Joe Biden revealed that he has threatened Vladimir Putin to impose ‘economic consequences unlike any he’s seen’ on Ukraine if Putin invades.

“It was simple. They didn’t mince words. While it was polite to say so, I said it clearly. It is possible to do so. [Putin] invades Ukraine , there will be severe consequences, economic consequences like none he’s ever seen or ever have been seen being imposed,’ Biden told reporters on the South Lawn of the White House as he departed for a trip to Kansas City.

He said that the US would not send boots to Ukraine and that this was “not in the cards”.

“That’s not the place.” Our NATO allies have a moral responsibility and a legal duty to us if we attack them under article 5. It is a sacred obligation. This obligation doesn’t extend to NATO; I am referring to Ukraine,” the president stated. 

However, he suggested that the US would increase its military presence among NATO nations and aid the Ukraine in its defense. 

“I said that I expected him to respond. But, beyond that, it was likely that we would be needed to increase our NATO presence, especially in the Eastern Front. He added, “In addition to all that, I also made it clear that the Ukrainians would be provided with the defense capability.”

Biden expressed his confidence that Putin had understood.  Biden also stated that the Administration hopes to announce a series of follow-up meetings between high ranking staff from both countries by Friday.  

President Joe Biden revealed he threatened Vladimir Putin with 'economic consequences like none he's ever seen' if Russia invades the Ukraine

Joe Biden, President of the United States of America revealed that he had threatened Vladimir Putin with economic consequences like no one he’s ever witnessed if Russia invades Ukraine

In addition to economic consequences, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said on Tuesday that also Biden threatened Russia’s gas exports. 

Sullivan stated that there was no finger-wagging, but President Trump was clear on where the United States stood on each of these issues. He called Tuesday’s two hour conversation with Putin ‘useful’.

As Russia increases its troops presence at the US border, the US is taking a firm stance. Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, said that he was happy for Biden to play a ‘personal part’ in these negotiations. 

Zelensky, speaking at a press conference, stated, “In general, it’s positive that the President of the United States spoke to the President of the Russian Federation.” The most significant thing is the personal response and role played by President Biden in solving this conflict, which is the war in our east.

Sullivan indicated that if Russia launches an attack, NATO partners such as Poland and Romania would be worried and the US would bolster its allies while providing additional defensive material to the Ukrainians.

“In the event of an escalation,” our eastern partners – Romania and Poland, among others – will become more concerned about their security and territorial integrity. We expect them to seek additional capabilities, and possibly additional deployments, and we believe the United States will respond positively,” Sullivan stated.

Since the beginning of the week, the administration has been indicating that the US will increase its commitment to NATO in the event of Russian aggression towards Eastern Europe. Officials have not said that the US would send troops to the Ukraine.

Former President Donald Trump also stated Tuesday in a statement that Russia’s president was not worried about threats or warnings coming from Biden.

Putin is shocked at the pathetic American surrender to Afghanistan. He sees dead soldiers and American citizens. Then he looks at Biden. He’s not concerned! Trump made the statement through his Save America PAC. 

In its reading of the call by the leaders, the Kremlin stated that Putin had asked Biden to give guarantees that NATO wouldn’t expand into the East or deploy offensive strike weapons systems in states near Russia.  

But Sullivan, appearing in the White House briefing room after the leaders’ video chat, made it clear the US planned to respond more forcefully than the Obama administration did in 2014, when Russia invaded and annexed the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine.  

Sullivan stated to reporters that he would look into President Putin’s eyes, and tell him, just like President Biden did today. 

Although he did not offer any details, he said that he believed the same.We would prefer that we communicate this directly with the Russians. However, we’re presenting for them the details of the measures we plan to take.  

Sullivan stated that Nord Stream 2’s pipeline could also be canned if Putin invades Ukraine.

‘ISullivan stated that Vladimir Putin may want gas to flow through the pipeline but he might not be willing to risk invading Ukraine. 

Germany has resisted cancelling the project, but U.S. officials told members of Congress that the incoming German government has an understanding with the U.S. that the natural gas pipeline that connects with Russia could be used as ‘leverage,’ Reuters reported. 

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Tuesday that the United States is prepared to deploy more troops to NATO countries if Russia invades Ukraine

Jake Sullivan, the National Security Advisor for America said Tuesday that the United States would deploy additional troops to NATO countries if Russia invades Ukraine.

After the call with Putin ended, the White House released its own photo of the virtual conversation

The White House published its photo from the conversation after the call ended with Putin

The Russians released a photo of President Biden's secure video call with Vladimir Putin

Russians release a photo from President Biden’s video conference with Vladimir Putin

In 2014, the US placed some sanctions economic on Russia but with limited effect. American officials stated that the US would use’strong economic steps’ to punish Russia. They will also sanction its banks and limit its currency exchange. 

After Russia had released footage from the initial minutes of their call, the US quickly put out its own version. Biden was seen waving to Putin and chuckling during what was supposed to be a tense conversation.

However, the White House claimed that Biden had a difficult conversation with Russian counterpart Biden and made it clear that any invading Ukraine would be met by’strong’ economic sanctions as well as ‘other actions’

Biden voiced concern about Russia’s aggression of Ukraine’s forces during the video chat. The White House read out the conversation.

According to the White House, “President Biden reiterated support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity” and called for de-escalation. The staff will continue to have conversations.  

White House Call with Putin: White House Readout 

The President Joseph R. Biden Jr. called President Vladimir Putin, Russia today to discuss a variety of topics on the U.S.-Russia agenda. The President of the United States, Joseph R. Biden Jr. expressed deep concern about Russia’s aggression on Ukraine. He also stated that our Allies and the U.S. would take strong economic and other actions in case of military escalation. Biden reiterated that he supports Ukraine’s sovereignty as well as territorial integrity. He also called for de-escalation, and the return to diplomacy. They gave each other instructions to their respective teams, and they promised close cooperation with partners and allies. They also talked about the U.S.-Russia Dialog on Strategic Stability. This includes a separate dialogue regarding ransomware and joint work on issues in regional areas such as Iran. 

Russian news agencies released the footage. Biden appears to be having technical problems, possibly forgetting how to turn his microphone on. 

Putin addressed Biden, in Russian: “Greetings Mr. president.” 

Biden looked up and was seen fumbling around with buttons.

Biden suddenly said: “There you are,” 

He added “Hello,” chuckling to his Russian counterpart and waving. It’s nice to see you back. 

Biden also spoke to Putin in a short video clip of their chat. It’s my hope that the next time they meet, we can do it in person. 

According to White House records, the call began at 10.07 ET. The conversation was not accessible to the American media. The White House stated that the conversation ended at 12:08 p.m. 

Following the end of the conference call, the White House posted a photograph of Biden in its Situation Room. 

The White House photo shows Biden, masked, at the head of a round table with a masked Secretary Of State Antony Blinken, and Jake Sullivan, National Security Adviser. 

Putin could be seen on the screen as he called from Sochi, his Black Sea resort. After two summits in Geneva and two calls, this is the fourth conversation between them.   

According to the White House, Biden had a conversation after the meeting with Putin with President Emmanuel Macron, Chancellor Angela Merkel, Prime Mario Minister Draghi from Italy and Prime Minister Boris Johnson in the United Kingdom. 

Biden and European leaders closely coordinate on how they will respond to Russia if it attacks the Ukraine. 

Jen Psaki from the White House stated that “there is agreement regarding the need to enforce strong and significant economic consequences in the event Russia invades Ukraine.” Jen Psaki was speaking about the meeting with European leaders. “Obviously that will look different for each country.

President Biden waves to President Putin and told him he hopes they can meet in person next time

Biden made a gesture to Putin and expressed his hope that they would meet again in person.

In a statement released on Tuesday afternoon, Trump said Putin is 'not worried' about Biden

Trump released a statement Tuesday afternoon stating that Putin was not worried about Biden.

Obama used economic sanctions, diplomatic boycott and Stern words to stop Putin’s invasion of Crimea.

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Tuesday the U.S. planned to respond more forcefully than the Obama administration did in 2014, when Russia invaded and annexed the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine. 

Sullivan stated to reporters that he would look into President Putin’s eyes, and tell him, just like President Biden did today.

Sullivan stated, “In terms specifics, it would be preferable to communicate this directly to Russia, to negotiate in private, and not telegraph or telegraph our punches.” We are however laying out the measures we intend to take for Russia in some detail.  

Biden, then vice president of the United States, was joined by Barack Obama in the Oval. In 2014 the Obama administration made calls to Russian President Vladimir Putin. It also used sanctions threats against Moscow for annexing Crimea. 

This didn’t work. 

Without wearing identification insignias Russian soldiers took over strategic positions and infrastructure on the Ukrainian territory, Crimea, February 2014.

President Barack Obama talks on the phone in the Oval Office with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the situation in Ukraine, March 1, 2014

Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin talk by phone from the Oval Office about Ukraine’s situation, March 1, 2014.

What actions did President Barack Obama take in an effort to stop this? 

Obama issued a warning to Russia on February 28th, emphasizing his concern about Russia’s involvement in Crimea.

According to him, a violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty or territorial integrity could be very destabilizing. It would also be incompatible with the interests of Russia, Ukraine and Europe. He stated that this would violate Russia’s agreement to respect Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, borders and international laws.

Obama spoke to Putin by phone on 1 March and stated that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was a violation of Ukrainian sovereignty… [and a]Breach of international law 

He suggested that the United States would be subject to ‘greater economic and political isolation’, and threatened to pull the United States out of the G8 40th summit which was being hosted by Russia.

The Federation Council of the Russian Federation unanimously approved a resolution in March to ask Putin for military force to intervene in Ukraine. Putin did this to annexe the Crimea.

On March 3, the Obama White House announced that the United States would not send a presidential delegation to the 2014 Winter Paralympics in Sochi, Russia, although the athletes did attend the games.

In March of this year, President Obama imposed economic sanctions against Russia. 

Crimea, a peninsula along the northern coast of the Black Sea in Eastern Europe, was claimed by Ukraine after the breakup of the Soviet Union.

Russia annexed the territory after pro-Russian separatists intervened and Russian Armed Forces invaded. The controversial Crimea-wide referendum that was illegally conducted under both the Ukrainian and Crimean constitutions showed that over 90% of Crimeans supported reunification.

However, many Ukrainian loyalists boycotted the vote and were declared unlegitimate by Western governments as well as United Nations.  

On 18 March 2014, Russia officially annexed Crimea.

Pro-Russia separatist rebels then began to seize eastern Ukraine’s territory in April.

Ukrainian authorities launched an offensive against rebels at the beginning of July.

A civilian aircraft carrying 298 passengers was downed over Eastern Ukraine on July 17. It had been shot down by rebels. Ukraine increased its defenses.

Russia escalated in August from supporting rebels covertly to directly invading Russia with military troops. 

The then-Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko announced on 3 September that he had made a “permanent ceasefire” with Russian President Putin. (Zelensky won the election for Ukrainian president in 2019 over Poroshenko).

Russia has denied that an agreement to cease fire had been reached. The separatist conflict in Ukraine’s eastern region continues.

U.S intelligence officers have now determined that Russia has gathered about 70,000 troops close to its border with Ukraine. This action is being compared to Moscow’s 2014 actions. 

 

He will be calling Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky Thursday.  

Biden is confronting Putin in a crucial diplomatic test. 

Putin has, however, complained about Ukraine’s threat to Russia due to its relations with the US, Western Europe, and other countries. 

Psaki did not speculate as to whether Putin had received the message from Biden to back down against Ukraine.

She simply stated, “We will find out if Russia or President Putin invades Ukraine,” 

Kremlin stated that both parties agreed to continue conversations. 

After the call, Yuri Ushakov, a Kremlin aide said, “It is hard to expect any sudden breakthroughs. But the presidents displayed their willingness to continue practicing work and begin talking about sensitive issues that seriously concern Moscow.”  

In a statement by the Kremlin, Putin claimed that Russia was repeating Moscow’s charge that Ukraine was acting provocatively and following a “destructive line” aimed to dismantle agreements in place from 2014 and 2015 which were intended to end wars with Russian-backed separatists.

Biden, it was claimed, suggested that the West could sanction Russia for escalating the situation and called Moscow out on its threats. Putin replied that NATO is trying to seize Ukrainian territory, and that NATO is increasing its military capabilities at our borders.

According to the Kremlin, Russia was interested in legal guarantees that would prevent NATO’s expansion westward as well as the deployment of military strike weapons in countries adjacent to Russia.  

The Ukraine warns of a “bloody massacre” and 5 million Ukrainian refugees fleeing to Europe in the event that Russia invades Kiev. 

After the conference call, Psaki stated Tuesday that they are not at the right point to talk about evacuating Americans in Ukraine. 

Satellite images show increasing numbers of Russian troops massing on the border of Ukraine – as many as 175,000 according to US analysts. 

Oleksiy Reznikov (Ukraine Defense Minister) told CNN that Russia could invade Ukraine, and warned that Russian guys would also come back to Ukraine in coffins.    

Before the conversation began, Biden made it clear to the administration that he would adopt a strong stance towards Russia.   

Reservists from Russia's Combat Army Reserve perform firing exercises as part of a training camp at Prudboy firing range near Volgograd, a city in southwest Russia

A group of Russian Combat Army Reserve Reservists fire at targets near Volgograd as part a firing exercise in a camp at Prudboy firing area, which is located southwest Russia.

Ukrainian servicemen and military machinery taking part in the Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine celebration in Kharkiv on Monday

Ukrainian military equipment and servicemen taking part in the Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine celebrations in Kharkiv Monday

Biden and Putin met in Geneva in June - the first meeting of the pair since Biden took over the White House

Biden met Putin in Geneva on June 2, the first time the two have met since Biden took control of White House.

Putin has made preparations to invade Ukraine but it’s unclear he’s made the final decision to do so, a senior administration official said on Monday.

Sullivan indicated that he didn’t believe Putin had made a decision. Today, President Biden laid out clearly what the consequences would be if he moved.  

Tuesday’s call comes after a report on Friday suggested that Russia is planning a possible military offensive against Ukraine involving an estimated 175,000 troops that could begin as soon as early 2022.

The Washington Post obtained unclassified intelligence documents that showed satellite images showing troop and equipment built up at the Ukraine border. 

Photos from June were taken around Yelnya near the north border between Russia and Ukraine. Five Battalion Tactical Groups were (BTGs), as the photos indicated.

Similar scenes occurred near Crimea on the Russian-Ukrainian frontier in 2014. Then, Russia took the strategically important port at the Black Sea.