WASHINGTON, Jan 20 (KUNA) -- The United States has anew warned Russia against invading Ukraine affirming that such an adventure would prompt it along with its allies to retaliate swiftly and severely.
US President Joe Biden has been "clear" with Russian President Vladimir Putin "if any Russian military forces move across the Ukrainian border, that's a renewed invasion and it will be met with a swift, severe and united response from the United States and our Allies," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement, late on Wednesday.
Biden has recently held a virtual meeting with Putin on various current issues namely the status in countries and regions close to Russia.
"President Biden also knows from long experience that the Russians have an extensive playbook of aggression short of military action, including cyberattacks and paramilitary tactics," Psaki said.
She continued that "he affirmed today that those acts of Russian aggression will be met with a decisive, reciprocal, and united response." This comes after Biden told reporters during a press conference at the White House that "Russia will be held accountable if it invades and it depends on what it does." "Itآ’s one thing if it's a minor incursion and we end up having to fight about what to do and not do," he said.
"But if they actually do what they're capable of doing with the forces amassed on the border, it is going to be a disaster for Russia if they further invade Ukraine," he added.
Russia has been massing up troops along the borders with Ukraine, fueling expectations that Moscow is preparing to invade the country. (end) si.ag