Remarks: Joe Biden Delivers an Update on the Situation in the Ukraine and Russia - February 15, 2022


Joe Biden Delivers an Update on the Situation in the Ukraine and Russia [2022-02-15]
Joe Biden
Russia
Ukraine
NATO
United States
Europe

Joe Biden
00:00:00 - 00:00:12 ()
Good afternoon. Today, I'd like to provide an update on the crisis involving Russia and Ukraine.
Neutral
Joe Biden
00:00:12 - 00:00:20 ()
From the beginning of this crisis, I have been absolutely clear and consistent: The United States is prepared no matter what happens.
Very Positive
Joe Biden
00:00:20 - 00:00:31 ()
We are ready with diplomacy -- to be engaged in diplomacy with Russia and our Allies and partners to improve stability and security in Europe as a whole.
Very Positive
Joe Biden
00:00:31 - 00:00:38 ()
And we are ready to respond decisively to a Russian attack on Ukraine, which is still very much a possibility.
Leans Negative
Joe Biden
00:00:38 - 00:00:46 ()
Through all of the events of the last few weeks and months, this has been our approach. And it remains our approach now.
Unknown
Joe Biden
00:00:46 - 00:01:01 ()
So, today I want to speak to the American people about the situation on the ground, the steps we've taken, the actions we're prepared to take, and what's at stake for us and the world, and how this may impact on us here at home.
Somewhat Positive
Joe Biden
00:01:01 - 00:01:08 ()
For weeks now, together with our Allies and partners, my administration has engaged in non-stop diplomacy.
Positive
Joe Biden
00:01:08 - 00:01:27 ()
This weekend I spoke again with President Putin to make clear that we are ready to keep pursuing high-level diplomacy to reach written understandings among Russia, the United States, and the nations of Europe to address legitimate security concerns if that's what -- his wish. Their security concerns and ours.
Very Positive
Joe Biden
00:01:27 - 00:01:36 ()
President Putin and I agreed that our teams should continue to engage toward this end along with our European Allies and partners.
Very Positive
Joe Biden
00:01:36 - 00:01:53 ()
Yesterday, the Russian government publicly proposed to continue the diplomacy. I agree. We should give the diplomacy every chance to succeed. I believe there are real ways to address our respective security concerns.
Very Positive
Joe Biden
00:01:53 - 00:01:59 ()
The United States has put on the table concrete ideas to establish a security environment in Europe.
Very Positive
Joe Biden
00:01:59 - 00:02:12 ()
We're proposing new arms control measures, new transparency measures, new strategic stability measures. These measures would apply to all parties -- NATO and Russia alike.
Positive
Joe Biden
00:02:12 - 00:02:23 ()
And we're willing to make practical, results-oriented steps that can advance our common security. We will not sacrifice basic principles, though.
Somewhat Positive
Joe Biden
00:02:23 - 00:02:34 ()
Nations have a right to sovereignty and territorial integrity. They have the freedom to set their own course and choose with whom they will associate.
Very Positive
Joe Biden
00:02:34 - 00:02:37 ()
But that still leaves plenty of room for diplomacy
Unknown
Joe Biden
00:02:37 - 00:02:49 ()
and for de-escalation. That's the best way forward for all parties, in our view. And we'll continue our diplomatic efforts in close consultation with our Allies and our partners.
Very Positive
Joe Biden
00:02:49 - 00:02:52 ()
As long as there is hope of a diplomatic resolution
Positive
Joe Biden
00:02:52 - 00:03:00 ()
that prevents the use of force and avoids the incredible human suffering that would follow, we will pursue it.
Very Negative
Joe Biden
00:03:00 - 00:03:08 ()
The Russian Defense Ministry reported today that some military units are leaving their positions near Ukraine.
Leans Positive
Joe Biden
00:03:08 - 00:03:33 ()
That would be good, but we have not yet verified that. We have not yet verified that Russian military units are returning to their home bases. Indeed, our analysts indicate that they remain very much in a threatening position. And the fact remains: Right now, Russia has more than 150,000 troops encircling Ukraine in Belarus and along Ukraine's border.
Very Negative
Joe Biden
00:03:33 - 00:03:57 ()
An invasion remains distinctly possible. That's why I've asked several times that all Americans in Ukraine leave now before it's too late to leave safely. It is why we have temporarily relocated our embassy from Kyiv to Lviv in western Ukraine, approaching the Polish border.
Positive
Joe Biden
00:03:57 - 00:04:14 ()
And we've been transparent with the American people and with the world about Russia's plans and the seriousness of the situation so that everyone can see for themselves what is happening. We have shared what we know and what we are doing about it.
Slightly Positive
Joe Biden
00:04:14 - 00:04:17 ()
Let me be equally clear about what we are not doing:
Somewhat Positive
Joe Biden
00:04:17 - 00:04:24 ()
The United States and NATO are not a threat to Russia. Ukraine is not threatening Russia.
Very Positive
Joe Biden
00:04:24 - 00:04:32 ()
Neither the U.S. nor NATO have missiles in Ukraine. We do not -- do not have plans to put them there as well.
Slightly Positive
Joe Biden
00:04:32 - 00:04:37 ()
We're not targeting the people of Russia. We do not seek to destabilize Russia.
Unknown
Joe Biden
00:04:37 - 00:04:54 ()
To the citizens of Russia: You are not our enemy. And I do not believe you want a bloody, destructive war against Ukraine -- a country and a people with whom you share such deep ties of family, history, and culture.
Very Negative
Joe Biden
00:04:54 - 00:05:00 ()
Seventy-seven years ago, our people fought and sacrificed side by side to end the worst war in history.
Very Negative
Joe Biden
00:05:00 - 00:05:11 ()
World War Two was a war of necessity. But if Russia attacks Ukraine, it would be a war of choice, or a war without cause or reason.
Very Negative
Joe Biden
00:05:11 - 00:05:21 ()
I say these things not to provoke but to speak the truth -- because the truth matters; accountability matters.
Very Positive
Joe Biden
00:05:21 - 00:05:32 ()
If Russia does invade in the days or weeks ahead, the human cost for Ukraine will be immense, and the strategic cost for Russia will also be immense.
Unknown
Joe Biden
00:05:32 - 00:05:45 ()
If Russia attacks Ukraine, it'll be met with overwhelming international condemnation. The world will not forget that Russia chose needless death and destruction.
Very Negative
Joe Biden
00:05:45 - 00:05:50 ()
Invading Ukraine will prove to be a self-inflicted wound.
Unknown
Joe Biden
00:05:50 - 00:05:57 ()
The United States and our Allies and partners will respond decisively. The West is united and galvanized.
Very Positive
Joe Biden
00:05:57 - 00:06:14 ()
Today, our NATO Allies and the Alliance is as unified and determined as it has ever been. And the source of our unbreakable strength continues to be the power, resilience, and universal appeal of our shared democratic values.
Very Positive
Joe Biden
00:06:14 - 00:06:50 ()
Because this is about more than just Russia and Ukraine. It's about standing for what we believe in, for the future we want for our world, for liberty -- for liberty, the right of countless countries to choose their own destiny, and the right of people to determine their own futures, for the principle that a country can't change its neighbor's borders by force. That's our vision. And toward that end, I'm confident that vision, that freedom will prevail.
Very Positive
Joe Biden
00:06:50 - 00:06:55 ()
If Russia proceeds, we will rally the world to oppose its aggression.
Slightly Negative
Joe Biden
00:06:55 - 00:07:18 ()
The United States and our Allies and partners around the world are ready to impose powerful sanctions on [and] export controls, including actions that did not -- we did not pursue when Russia invaded Crimea and eastern Ukraine in 2014. We will put intense pressure on their largest and most significant financial institutions and key industries.
Very Positive
Joe Biden
00:07:18 - 00:07:30 ()
These measures are ready to go as soon and if Russia moves. We'll impose long-term consequences that will undermine Russia's ability to compete economically and strategically.
Leans Positive
Joe Biden
00:07:30 - 00:07:42 ()
And when it comes to Nord Stream 2, the pipeline that would bring natural gas from Russia to Germany, if Russia further invades Ukraine, it will not happen.
Somewhat Positive
Joe Biden
00:07:42 - 00:07:57 ()
While I will not send American servicemen to fight Russia in Ukraine, we have supplied the Ukrainian military with equipment to help them defend themselves. We have provided training and advice and intelligence for the same purpose.
Positive
Joe Biden
00:07:57 - 00:08:16 ()
And make no mistake: The United States will defend every inch of NATO territory with the full force of American power. An attack against one NATO country is an attack against all of us. And the United States commitment to Article 5 is sacrosanct.
Somewhat Negative
Joe Biden
00:08:16 - 00:08:24 ()
Already, in response to Russia's build-up of troops, I have sent additional U.S. forces to bolster NATO's eastern flank.
Unknown
Joe Biden
00:08:24 - 00:08:33 ()
Several of our Allies have also announced they'll add forces and capabilities to ensure deterrence and defense along NATO's eastern flank.
Positive
Joe Biden
00:08:33 - 00:08:39 ()
We will also continue to conduct military exercises with our Allies and partners to enhance defensive readiness.
Slightly Positive
Joe Biden
00:08:39 - 00:08:50 ()
And if Russia invades, we will take further steps to reinforce our presence in NATO, reassure for our Allies, and deter further aggression.
Neutral
Joe Biden
00:08:50 - 00:09:18 ()
This is a cause that unites Republicans and Democrats. And I want to thank the leaders and members of Congress of both parties who have forcefully spoken out in defense of our most basic, most bipartisan, most American principles.
Very Positive
Joe Biden
00:09:18 - 00:09:30 ()
I will not pretend this will be painless. There could be impact on our energy prices, so we are taking active steps to alleviate the pressure on our own energy markets and offset rising prices.
Very Positive
Joe Biden
00:09:30 - 00:09:41 ()
We're coordinating with major enersy [sic] -- energy consumers and producers. We're prepared to deploy all the tools and authority at our disposal to provide relief at the gas pump.
Very Positive
Joe Biden
00:09:41 - 00:09:44 ()
And I will work with Congress on additional measures
Unknown
Joe Biden
00:09:44 - 00:09:48 ()
to help protect consumers and address the impact of prices at the pump.
Very Positive
Joe Biden
00:09:48 - 00:09:59 ()
We are not seeking direct confrontation with Russia, though I have been clear that if Russia targets Americans in Ukraine, we will respond forcefully.
Positive
Joe Biden
00:09:59 - 00:10:01 ()
And if Russia attacks the United States or our Allies
Neutral
Joe Biden
00:10:01 - 00:10:04 ()
through asymmetric means, like disruptive cyberattacks
Neutral
Joe Biden
00:10:04 - 00:10:10 ()
against our companies or critical infrastructure, we are prepared to respond.
Leans Negative
Joe Biden
00:10:10 - 00:10:17 ()
We're moving in lockstep with our NATO Allies and partners to deepen our collective defense against threats in cyberspace.
Somewhat Negative
Joe Biden
00:10:17 - 00:10:35 ()
Two paths are still open. For the sake of the historic responsibility Russia and the United States share for global stability, for the sake of our common future -- to choose diplomacy.
Very Positive
Joe Biden
00:10:35 - 00:10:39 ()
But let there be no doubt: If Russia commits this breach
Very Negative
Joe Biden
00:10:39 - 00:10:46 ()
by invading Ukraine, responsible nations around the world will not hesitate to respond.
Somewhat Positive
Joe Biden
00:10:46 - 00:10:54 ()
If we do not stand for freedom where it is at risk today, we'll surely pay a steeper price tomorrow.
Leans Negative
Joe Biden
00:10:54 - 00:11:07 ()
Thank you. I'll keep you informed.
Somewhat Positive