President Joe Biden spoke from the White House in his first official address since the Russian president officially announced his backing for two separatist regions in Ukraine. Biden outlined a new series of sanctions, his commitment to working with NATO allies, and insisted that responsibility for escalation lay solely with Vladimir Putin.
Biden mentioned sanctions on two large Russian banks and on foreign debt from Western nations. He also noted that -- as of tomorrow, Feb. 23 – he would levy sanctions on high-profile Russian elites and their families.
He reiterated that Germany’s decision to halt certification of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline was backed by the United States. American troops presently stationed in Europe will be redeployed to help NATO allies.
Biden sought to make clear that all moves by his administration, political and military, were “defensive” only and he has “no interest in war with Russia.”
Notably, he pointed out the United States and its allies “will defend every inch of NATO territory,” stressing the word “NATO.” Such intonation could suggest that as Ukraine is not a NATO member, any incursion or invasion by Putin will result in only diplomatic or financial sanctions.
The president warned Americans that “defending freedom will have costs.” He was referring to the likely increases in gas and energy prices. Biden pointed out that he has been meeting with energy suppliers and producers on a strategy to alleviate price hikes. “This will blunt gas prices,” he said
Liberty Nation will keep you updated on further developments.
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