Currents News Staff
President Biden spoke with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr zelensky on Sunday promising to respond “swiftly and decisively” if Russia takes action further against Ukraine.
“An invasion could begin, a major military action could begin by Russia in Ukraine any day now-that includes this coming week, before the end of the Olympics,” said U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan.
The talk with Zelensky comes one day after President Biden warned Russian President Vladimir Putin in a phone call with “swift and severe costs” if Ukraine is invaded.
“We’re prepared with a package of potential economic consequences that will hit many of those oligarchs and make clear to Russia there are real costs to pay for this,” Sullivan said.
Although preparations are underway, including the U.S. providing Ukraine with 180-tons of ammunition, the White House and some top lawmakers are hoping for a peaceful resolution.
“The best thing that could happen is for us to pass the sanctions package,” said South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham. “Pre-invasion with a waiver, post invasions sanctions that would destroy the ruble and cripple the Russian economy so Putin can see it in writing. That might help him decide not to invade.”
Some analysts say Putin could punish himself if he goes ahead with military action.
“It might strengthen ties between Ukraine and the European Union,” said former U.S. Department of State’s Director of Policy Planning Richard Haass. “It has also created a stronger sense of Ukrainian national identity and it’s hard for me to see how that helps either Mr. Putin or Russia.”