Biden announces Russia sanctions, troop movements in response to Ukraine invasion

President Biden on Tuesday announced new sanctions against Russia, calling Kremlin-led activities in recent hours “the beginning of a Russian invasion of Ukraine,” and the authorization of additional U.S. forces to the region, but maintained that the United States has “no intention” of fighting Russia.

The president, from the White House on Tuesday, said Russian President Vladimir Putin is “setting up a rationale” to take Ukrainian territory “by force,” after authorizing Russian forces to deploy into the country.

“I know he’s setting up a rationale to go much further,” Biden said. “This is the beginning of a Russian invasion of Ukraine.” 

BIDEN SAYS RUSSIA IS BEGINNING AN INVASION, ANNOUNCES SANCTIONS: LIVE UPDATES

The president said he will impose further sanctions on Russia, which go “far beyond” the steps taken by the United States and allies and partners in 2014.

“And if Russia goes further with this invasion, we stand prepared to go further as with sanctions,” he said.

“Who in the Lord’s name does Putin think gives him the right to declare new so-called countries on territory that belongs to his neighbors?” Biden said. “This is a flagrant violation of international law and demands a firm response from the international community.”

Biden maintained that the United States is working with NATO allies and partners to implement sanctions, saying they have been “closely coordinated,” and will “continue to escalate” if Russia “escalates.”

WHITE HOUSE DECLARES RUSSIAN INVASION IN UKRAINE

Biden said the United States is implementing sanctions that block two large Russian financial institutions – VEB and its  military bank – and implementing comprehensive sanctions on Russian sovereign debt.

“That means we’ve cut off Russia’s government from Western financing. It can no…