President Joe Biden warned Russian President Vladimir Putin that an invasion of Ukraine would come with “severe consequences” for Russia during a phone call Saturday morning.
Though the phone conversation did not bring about a “fundamental change in the dynamic” that has characterized the increasingly tense relationship between Russia and NATO, Biden reiterated America’s support of Ukraine should Russia invade the country, according to a senior administration official.
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“We remain committed to keeping the prospect of de-escalation and diplomacy alive. But we’re also clear-eyed on the prospect that, given the readily apparent steps Russia is taking on the ground in plain sight, right before our eyes, the stakes of this are too high not to give Russia every chance to avoid an action that we believe would be catastrophic,” a Biden administration spokesperson said, adding, “We are intensifying our efforts to deter Russia and to impose costs should it decide to go ahead with military action.”
Biden was “very direct” with Putin about U.S. plans to ensure the safety of Americans in Ukraine, and he also emphasized the united front of NATO powers compared to Russia’s isolation.
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“Russia may decide to proceed with military action anyway. Indeed, that is a distinct possibility. If it does, the damage to Ukraine, European security, and yes, to Russia, will be profound,” the spokesperson said. “That is an outcome President Biden believes we should continue to work hard to avert.”
The United States recently announced that it would evacuate the embassy in Ukraine as military action appears more likely.
