WASHINGTON — President Biden on Thursday denounced Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine as a “flagrant violation of international law” and announced he would send additional U.S. troops to Eastern Europe to bolster NATO and deter further aggression from Moscow.
In a televised address to the nation, Biden condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin for his “premeditated and unprovoked” attack on Ukraine and said the United States and its allies would respond with “severe sanctions.”
“This is not only a violation of international law, but it’s also an assault on the very principles that underpin the global peace and security we’ve worked so hard to build over the last several decades,” Biden said.
“We cannot and will not tolerate Russia’s aggression against Ukraine,” he added.
Biden said he had authorized the deployment of additional U.S. troops to Eastern Europe in the coming weeks, at the request of NATO allies. The troops will be sent to Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Romania, and will join the 8,500 U.S. troops already stationed in Europe.
“Our commitment to Article 5 of the NATO treaty is ironclad,” Biden said. “An attack on one is an attack on all, and we will defend every inch of NATO territory.”
Biden also announced a new round of sanctions against Russia, targeting its banks, energy sector and key individuals. The sanctions are designed to cripple Russia’s economy and pressure Putin to end his invasion of Ukraine.
“We will hold Russia accountable for its actions,” Biden said. “We will not allow Putin to get away with this aggression.”
The United States and its allies have been warning for weeks that Russia was planning to invade Ukraine. Putin had amassed more than 100,000 troops on the border of Ukraine and had been conducting military exercises in preparation for an invasion.
On Thursday morning, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with troops crossing the border from multiple directions. Ukrainian forces are fighting back, but they are outmatched by the Russian military.
The invasion has sparked international outrage and condemnation. The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to meet later Thursday to discuss the crisis.
Biden’s speech comes as the world watches in horror at the unfolding crisis in Ukraine. The invasion is a major escalation of tensions between Russia and the West, and it could have far-reaching consequences for global security.
**Reaction from Ukraine**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has condemned the Russian invasion as a “war against the Ukrainian people.” He has called on the international community to provide Ukraine with weapons and other assistance to defend itself.
“We will defend our country, our freedom, our lives,” Zelenskyy said in a televised address to the nation.
**Reaction from Russia**
Russian President Vladimir Putin has defended the invasion of Ukraine, claiming that it is necessary to protect Russian interests and to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO.
“Russia cannot feel safe, develop, and exist with the constant threat emanating from the territory of modern Ukraine,” Putin said in a televised address to the nation.
**Reaction from the United States**
President Biden has condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine as a “flagrant violation of international law.” He has announced a new round of sanctions against Russia and has authorized the deployment of additional U.S. troops to Eastern Europe.
“We will not tolerate Russia’s aggression against Ukraine,” Biden said.
**Reaction from NATO**
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine as a “blatant violation of international law.” He has said that NATO will provide Ukraine with political and practical support, but will not send troops to fight in the conflict.
“We will not be drawn into a war with Russia,” Stoltenberg said.
**Reaction from the United Nations**
The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to meet later Thursday to discuss the crisis in Ukraine. The United States and its allies are expected to push for a resolution condemning the Russian invasion and demanding that Russia withdraw its troops from Ukraine.
**The future of Ukraine**
The future of Ukraine is uncertain. The Russian invasion has sparked a war that could last for weeks or even months. The outcome of the war will depend on a number of factors, including the strength of the Ukrainian resistance, the level of support from the international community, and the willingness of Russia to negotiate a ceasefire.
If Ukraine is able to defeat the Russian invasion, it will be a major setback for Putin and could lead to a reassessment of Russia’s role in the world. If Russia is able to conquer Ukraine, it will be a major victory for Putin and could embolden him to further aggression in the region.
The war in Ukraine is a major crisis with global implications. The world is watching with bated breath to see how it will unfold..
