Biden warns of devastating economic consequences if Russia invades Ukraine

The US president told his Russian counterpart that Moscow's standing in the world would be weakened in the event of an incursion into Ukraine.

Biden, who spoke with Putin by telephone for two hours last week, said he had made clear to the Russian leader that Russia would face economic sanctions if invade Ukraine.
Reuters

Biden, who spoke with Putin by telephone for two hours last week, said he had made clear to the Russian leader that Russia would face economic sanctions if invade Ukraine.

US President Joe Biden says he has told Russian President Vladimir Putin that Moscow would pay "a terrible price" and face devastating economic consequences if it invaded Ukraine.

Biden also told reporters on Saturday that the possibility of sending US ground combat troops to Ukraine in the event of a Russian invasion was "never on the table," although the United States and NATO would be required to send in more forces to eastern flank NATO countries to beef up their defences.

"I made it absolutely clear to President Putin ... that if he moves on Ukraine, the economic consequences for his economy are going to be devastating, devastating," he said after remarks about the deadly tornadoes that hit the United States on Friday.

Biden, who spoke with Putin by telephone for two hours last week, said he had made clear to the Russian leader that Russia's standing in the world would change "markedly" in the event of an incursion into Ukraine.

Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven richest democracies sent a similar message to Moscow after a meeting in Liverpool, warning of dire consequences for any incursion and urging Moscow to return to the negotiating table.

G7 finance ministers are meeting virtually on Monday to review economic concerns, including inflation, but will also touch on potential sanctions against Russia if it moves against Ukraine, officials said.

READ MORE: Ukraine Crisis: Can US-Russia talks break the impasse?

Loading...

Concerns over Russian military deployment

Biden last week promised Central European NATO members more military support amid growing concern over the buildup, which countries near Russia's border worry could result in a similar outcome as Russia's 2014 annexation of the Crimea region of Ukraine, Lithuania's presidential adviser said.

Ukraine has accused Russia of massing tens of thousands of troops in preparation for a possible large-scale military offensive.

Russia denies planning any attack and accuses Ukraine and the United States of destabilising behaviour, and has said it needs security guarantees for its own protection.

READ MORE: Russia warns of 'genocide' in Ukraine as US pledges support to Kiev

Route 6