President Joe Biden addressed the American people from the East Room of the White House on Tuesday afternoon (watch above), saying a Russian invasion of Ukraine “remains distinctly possible” but the United States is engaged in “non-stop diplomacy” to quash a military conflict.
He said reports that Russia has begun withdrawing troops from the border are “not yet verified.”
President Biden counters Russian claims of withdrawing some troops from the Ukraine border:
— The Recount (@therecount) February 15, 2022
“That would be good but … they remain very much in a threatening position.” pic.twitter.com/278WxNpZ1L
But the president did express some optimism, saying he and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to pursue a diplomatic track during a recent phone call.
“We should give the diplomacy every chance to succeed,” Biden said.
“The United States has put on the table concrete ideas to establish security environment in Europe,” the president explained. “We’re proposing new arms control measures, new transparency measures, new strategic stability measures.”
Biden said the U.S. proposals “will not sacrifice basic principles,” and that “nations have a right to sovereignty and territorial integrity. They have freedom to set their own course and choose with whom they will associate.”
That remark was a clear rebuke of Russia’s biggest demand, that Ukraine be barred from joining NATO.
“The United States is prepared, no matter what happens,” Biden said, adding: “If Russia proceeds, we will rally the world to oppose its aggression.”
Biden threatened “powerful sanctions” and pledged Nord Stream 2 “will not happen” if Russia invades Ukraine. The pipeline was constructed to deliver Russian gas to Germany, but has yet to be approved by regulators.
President Biden: "If Russia attacks Ukraine it would be a war of choice or a war without cause or reason…If Russia invades Ukraine it will be met with overwhelming international condemnation…Invading Ukraine will prove to be a self-inflicted wound." pic.twitter.com/HHOJeqzrwn
— CSPAN (@cspan) February 15, 2022
Biden addressed the Russian people, saying “you are not our enemy.” He referenced the WWII-era partnership between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. He called that global conflict a “war of necessity,” unlike the present situation.
“If Russia attacks Ukraine, it will be a war of choice, or a war without cause or reason. I say these things not to provoke, but to speak the truth, because the truth matters. Accountability matters,” Biden said.
President Biden: "We are not seeking direct confrontation with Russia. Though I've been clear that if Russia targets Americans in Ukraine, we will respond forcefully."
— CBS News (@CBSNews) February 15, 2022
He says U.S. is also "prepared to respond" to cyber and infrastructure attacks https://t.co/KHO3KOVUWZ pic.twitter.com/1fMRsHdLb8
Biden reiterated that he will not send U.S. troops into battle to defend Ukraine, but touted military assistance the U.S. and other Western nations have devoted to the nation.
Biden also warned that a military conflict can impact the American economy. “The American people understand that defending democracy and liberty is never without cost,” he said, indicating that energy prices might increase.
The president said he is working with energy producers to try and mitigate the situation. “I will not pretend this will be painless,” he added.