U.S. President Joe Biden said on Thursday that he has made clear to Russian President Vladimir Putin that any Russian movement into Ukraine would be considered an invasion, after he earlier suggested allies were split over how to react to any "minor incursion."
Summary
- REUTERS/Jonathan ErnstWASHINGTON, Jan 20 (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden said on Thursday that he has made clear to Russian President Vladimir Putin that any Russian movement into Ukraine would be considered an invasion, after he earlier suggested allies were split over how to react to any “minor incursion.”
- “I have been absolutely clear with President Putin, he has no misunderstanding.
- If any, any assembled Russian units move across the Ukrainian border that is an invasion,” Biden told reporters at the White House.
- Biden said such an invasion would be met by a “severe and coordinated response, economic response as discussed in details with our allies as laid out very clearly with president Putin.”
- Paramilitary tactics, so-called gray zone attacks and action by Russian soldiers not wearing Russian uniforms."