Putin has placed a massive force along the Ukrainian border and the number is growing every day. So the United States and many other countries have been expressing concerns. Most have the same message, they are telling Russia to back off or else. Biden ran into the Press before getting on Marine One and proudly claimed he told off Putin. But when pressed about what the consequences would be, he fell apart, once again showing our adversaries how vulnerable we are.
Biden: “In the meeting with Putin, I was very straightforward. There were no minced words.
It was polite, but I made it very clear: If, in fact, he invades Ukraine, there will be severe consequences — severe consequences — and economic consequences like none he’s ever seen or ever have been seen, in terms of being imposed.
He knows. His immediate response was he understood that. And I indicated that I knew he would respond. But beyond that, if, in fact, we would probably also be required to reinforce our — our presence in NATO countries to reassure particularly those on the eastern front.
In addition to that, I made it clear that we would provide the defensive capability to the Ukrainians as well.
The good news is — the good news — the positive news is that, thus far, our teams have been in constant contact. We hope by Friday we’re going to be able to say and announce to you that we’re having meetings at a higher level, not just with us but with at least four of our major NATO Allies and Russia to discuss the future of Russia’s concerns relative to NATO writ large and whether or not we can work out any accommodations as it relates to bringing down the temperature along the eastern front.”
Q “Can we rule out boots on the ground, sir — putting U.S. troops on the ground?”
Biden: “Yes. In terms of in Ukraine?”
Q “Senator Tim Kaine, Democrats are talking about could U.S. troops be needed on the ground in or around Ukraine to stop an invasion. Will you rule that out, or is that on the table?”
Biden: “That is not on the table. What is not — they are not —
We have a moral obligation and a legal obligation to our NATO Allies, if they were to attack under Article Five. It’s a sacred obligation.
That obligation does not extend to NATO — I mean, to Ukraine. But it would depend upon what the rest of the NATO countries are willing to do as well.
But the idea the United States is going to unilaterally use force to confront Russia from invading Ukraine is not on — in the cards right now. But what will happen is: There will be severe consequences that will have —”
So Biden basically said, there will be severe consequences, but only if NATO and the rest of the world think that’s ok. And this is why China and Russia are acting up. Biden has neutered us.