WILMINGTON, Del., Dec. 31 (Reuters) – US President Joe Biden on Friday said he told his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin that if Russia decided to invade Ukraine, the United States would respond with sanctions and strengthening their presence in Europe.
The two leaders warned each other Thursday about Ukraine during a telephone interview.
“I have been clear with President Putin, if Russia invades Ukraine, we will impose severe sanctions. We will strengthen our presence in Europe with our NATO allies and the price to pay will be high,” said Joe Biden. reporters as he left a restaurant in Wilmington, Delaware.
The American president added that Vladimir Poutine had given his agreement “three conferences of importance” next month and added that he hoped progress would be made during these negotiations.
Joe Biden, however, clarified that he had “been very clear, it will only work if there is a descent”.
“I will not start negotiating here in public, but we have been clear he (Vladimir Putin) cannot invade Ukraine,” Joe Biden replied when asked whether Russia exposed itself to US sanctions by letting his troops stationed at the Ukrainian border.
US President Joe Biden will meet with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodimir Zelensky on Sunday, a White House representative said. (Report Jarrett Renshaw and Doina Chiacu; French version Camille Raynaud)