Nord Stream 2 off remains an option
Biden still thinks a Russian attack is possible
02/15/2022, 10:39 p.m
Moscow sends signs of easing in the Ukraine conflict. However, it is still too early to give the all-clear, warns US President Biden. The withdrawal of military units from the Ukrainian border has not yet been verified, and an invasion remains an option. In a speech, he prepares the Americans for the possible consequences of sanctions. He also addressed words to the Russian people.
US President Joe Biden has again warned Russia against invading Ukraine. At the same time he campaigned for a diplomatic solution. “We should give diplomacy every chance to succeed,” Biden said in the White House. “And I believe there are real ways to address our respective security concerns.” Biden stressed: “The United States and NATO do not pose a threat to Russia. Ukraine does not threaten Russia.” Nor did the US seek to destabilize Russia. “To the citizens of Russia: you are not our enemy.”
At the same time, Biden underlined that a Russian invasion of Ukraine is still possible. “We are not looking for a direct confrontation with Russia,” Biden said. However, should Russia attack US citizens in Ukraine, the US would respond vigorously. The US President also warned the Russian government against “asymmetric” attacks on US and allied targets. As an example, he cited cyber attacks on companies or critical infrastructure. “We are prepared to respond.”
Recent statements from Moscow that some troops would be withdrawn from the border with Ukraine have not yet been independently confirmed, Biden said. US intelligence indicated that Russian forces remained in a “threatening position”. An invasion is “still” a clear possibility.
“The World Will Not Forget”
In addition, Biden again threatened the Kremlin in clear terms in the event of an invasion. “The world will not forget that Russia chose unnecessary death and destruction,” Biden said in his Washington address. An invasion would prove to be a “self-inflicted wound” for Russia.
Biden reaffirmed the end of the controversial German-Russian gas pipeline Nord Stream 2 in this case. Then nothing will come of the pipeline, he said. The completed pipeline is intended to bring Russian gas to Germany while bypassing the Ukraine. “This is about more than just Russia and Ukraine. It’s about standing up for what we believe in,” the president continued. The US government and its allies are ready to impose “huge” sanctions.
“We will continue to conduct military exercises with our allies and partners to enhance defense readiness,” Trump said. Should Russia invade Ukraine, the US would increase its presence in NATO. In addition, Biden generally said, “The United States will defend every inch of NATO territory with the full strength of American force.” Biden rejected Russian demands to rule out Ukraine’s accession to NATO. Every country has the right to choose its allies.
Sanctions would also be felt by US citizens
According to Biden, the sanctions and punitive measures announced against Moscow in the event of an invasion would also have consequences for US citizens – for example higher fuel prices. If Russia invades Ukraine, “that will also have consequences here at home,” Biden said in the White House. “The American people understand that defending democracy and freedom is never without cost.”
He went on to warn, “I’m not going to pretend this isn’t going to hurt; there could be an impact on our energy prices.” His government is coordinating with major energy producers worldwide to compensate for possible distortions. In that case, he was also determined to use all the means at his disposal to “provide relief at the gas station,” Biden promised. The US imports large quantities of crude oil from Russia. For Europe, Russia is very important as a natural gas producer. Biden’s government has made efforts to allow more LNG shipments to Europe in the event of a Russian supply failure.