If Russia 'further' invades Ukraine, Joe Biden threatens Vladimir Putin of 'decisive' action

On Saturday, February 12, 2022, US President Joe Biden reminded his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin that any invasion of Ukraine would result in enormous pain and isolation for Moscow.

The two leaders spoke on the phone for an hour on Tuesday, a day after Washington and its allies warned that Russia's military, which has a total of 100,000 troops stationed near Ukraine, may invade at any time.

"President Biden was clear that, if Russia undertakes a further invasion of Ukraine, the United States together with our Allies and partners will respond decisively and impose swift and severe costs on Russia," the White House said in a statement.

A new Russian invasion of Ukraine, according to Biden, will cause tremendous human misery and 'diminish Russia's standing.'

"President Biden was clear with President Putin that while the United States remains prepared to engage in diplomacy, in full coordination with our Allies and partners, we are equally prepared for other scenarios," the White House added.

Putin is seeking security guarantees from Biden in exchange for blocking Ukraine's entrance into NATO and missile deployments near Russia's borders, as he vies for dominance in post-Cold War Europe.

Moscow has also challenged Washington's version of events, claiming that it has massed soldiers along the Ukrainian border to protect itself from NATO partners' aggression.

The demand came as Israel, Portugal, and Belgium joined the list of countries urging their nationals to flee Ukraine as soon as possible.

The US State Department had ordered the majority of its embassy workers to leave Ukraine earlier on Saturday. The Pentagon announced the withdrawal of approximately 150 military trainers.

Meanwhile, thousands marched through the streets of Kyiv, Ukraine's capital, singing "Glory to Ukraine" and waving banners that read "Ukrainians will resist" and "invaders must die."