Biden Appeals to Russian Citizens

Russia's attack on Ukraine remains a strong possibility, and reports of some Russian forces being withdrawn from the Ukrainian border have yet to be confirmed. This was announced by President Joe Biden, as reported by Voice of America.

“We are prepared to respond decisively to a Russian attack on Ukraine, which remains very likely,” Biden said in a televised address from the White House.

Biden directly appealed to the Russian people, warning that aggression against Ukraine could turn into a “bloody and devastating war.”

“I urge the people of Russia: you are not our enemies,” the president stated. “And I do not believe that you want a bloody and devastating war against Ukraine—a country and a people with whom you share such deep historical and cultural ties.”

Biden emphasized that the U.S. is “ready to engage in diplomatic relations with Russia and our allies and partners to stabilize the security situation in Europe. And we are prepared to respond decisively if a Russian invasion occurs in Ukraine, which remains very likely.”

Biden added that during a phone call last Saturday with President Vladimir Putin, he made it clear that the U.S. is willing to continue high-level diplomatic communications to reach agreements.

“We must give diplomats every opportunity to succeed. I believe there are real avenues to address our security concerns,” Biden stated.

He pointed out that the presence of over 150,000 Russian troops near Ukraine “is a fact,” and that “an invasion is very much a possibility.”

“That is why I have repeatedly urged all Americans in Ukraine to leave while there is still time... That is why we temporarily relocated our embassy from Kyiv to Lviv,” the president said, adding that the U.S. “does not seek direct confrontation with Russia.”

“However, if Russia attacks Ukraine, it will be a war of choice, a war without cause or justification. I say this not to challenge but to speak the truth; because truth and accountability matter. If a Russian invasion occurs in the coming days or weeks, Ukraine will suffer great human losses. But the strategic losses for Russia will also be immense. If Russia attacks Ukraine, it will face universal international condemnation. The world will not forget that Russia made an unjustified choice in favor of death and destruction. By invading Ukraine, Russia will inevitably harm itself. The United States and our allies and partners will respond decisively. The West is united and prepared to act. Today, our NATO allies and the alliance itself are as united and resolute as ever,” the president concluded.