Russian attack on Ukraine still possible, says US President Biden
United States President Joe Biden has stressed that despite an apparent pullback of some troops from the Ukrainian border, Russia remains in a "threatening position." He further warned his country is ready to respond with sanctions should Russian troops attack their neighbor. The US President, however, added there is still time to resolve the conflict through diplomatic channels.
Why does this story matter?
Biden's comments came after Russian officials claimed some of their troops had been pulled back from the border. US, however, said the claim had not been verified. Russia had amassed an estimated 1,50,000 soldiers near the border but repeatedly denied any plans of invading Ukraine. The country has been opposing Ukraine's efforts to join NATO, an international military alliance led by the US.
'US is prepared no matter what happens'
"(Russian forces leaving) would be good, but we have not yet verified that," Biden said in a statement televised nationally. "Indeed, our analysts indicate that they remain very much in a threatening position." "I have been absolutely clear and consistent: The United States is prepared no matter what happens. We are ready with diplomacy," the US leader added.
'Not our enemy,' Biden tells Russia
"We should give the diplomacy every chance to succeed," Biden said. "To the citizens of Russia: you are not our enemy. And I do not believe you want a bloody, destructive war against Ukraine," he added.
Russia says it doesn't want war
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin said his country did not want war. He made the statement after holding a four-hour meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. "Do we want this or not? Of course, not. That is exactly why we put forward proposals for a process of negotiations," Putin told reporters at a press conference in Moscow.
