US president Joe Biden issued a public appeal to the president of Russia, Vladimir Putin, saying that war with Ukraine would result in “needless death and destruction”, warning him of the international outrage that it would cause.
Biden said that by the US’ estimate, there are about 150,000 Russian soldiers stationed around Ukraine and that although he welcomes reports of Russian troops being withdrawn, they are unverified and a Russian invasion still remains a possibility.
Biden added that if Russia does indeed invade Ukraine, the US and its allies will respond by inflicting economic sanctions and isolating Russia globally.
Putin has been demanding for NATO not to accept Ukraine as a member and pout a stop to further expansion eastwards.
Biden highlighted that the US and NATO are not a threat to Russia and that Ukraine is also not threatening Russia, and that neither the US nor NATO have missiles in Ukraine.
H added that the US does not have plans to put them there as well and that they are not targeting the people of Russia or seeking to destabilize Russia.
Biden then spoke directly to the citizens of Russia, saying: “To the citizens of Russia: You are not our enemy, and I don’t believe you want a bloody, destructive war against Ukraine.”
He then warned that the world will not forget that Russia chose needless death and destruction, should the invasion commence anyway.
He also warned that if Russia were to attack Americans in Ukraine, they will “respond forcefully”.