Biden says Russia beginning 'an invasion of Ukraine'

According to an Ukrinform correspondent, Biden stated this in his remarks at the White House on Tuesday, February 22.

"To put it simply, Russia just announced that it is carving out a big chunk of Ukraine. Last night, Putin authorized Russian forces to deploy into the region — these regions. Today, he asserted that these regions are — actually extend deeper than the two areas he recognized, claiming large areas currently under the jurisdiction of the Ukraine government. […] This is the beginning of a Russian invasion of Ukraine," Biden said.

He stressed that the United States will continue to provide defensive assistance to Ukraine in the meantime and will continue to reinforce and reassure its NATO Allies. He said that he had authorized additional movements of U.S. forces and equipment already stationed in Europe to strengthen Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

According to Biden, the United States, together with its Allies, will defend every inch of NATO territory. "We still believe that Russia is poised to go much further in launching a massive military attack against Ukraine," he added.

Biden noted that Russia's actions and statements would not fool anyone about their intentions: "There is no justification [for Russia's attack]. […] There is no question that Russia is the aggressor."

At the same time, he said, the United States, Allies and partners remain open to diplomacy. "When all is said and done, we’re going to judge Russia by its actions, not its words. And whatever Russia does next, we're ready to respond with unity, clarity, and conviction. We'll probably have more to say about this as we — if it moves on. I'm hoping diplomacy is still available," he said.

On February 22, President Volodymyr Zelensky, the heads of parliamentary factions and groups, and security forces discussed the introduction of a state of emergency or special situation in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

op