Biden Will Warn Putin of Harsh Economic Consequences If He Invades Ukraine
President Biden will warn Russian President Vladimir Putin on a high-stakes video call Tuesday that the United States is prepared to impose harsh economic consequences on Moscow if it goes through with a military invasion of Ukraine.
Russia has amassed tens of thousands of troops on the border with its neighboring country, putting Washington and Europe on edge. Tuesday’s call represents a significant foreign policy moment for Biden, who saw his standing on the world stage take a hit over America’s retreat from Afghanistan in August.
Biden’s aim during Tuesday’s call, perhaps his most consequential moment with Putin so far in his presidency, is to stress to the Russian leader that he would pay a serious price for an invasion but that the United States prefers a diplomatic solution to the crisis, according to administration officials.