NPR:
President Biden says the United States will give diplomatic talks aimed at averting a Russian invasion of Ukraine “every chance to succeed.” But he reiterated that Russia will face “powerful sanctions” if it launches a military attack against its neighbor.
In brief remarks at the White House Tuesday afternoon, Biden noted that the Russian defense minister reported that some military units are leaving their positions near Ukraine. Biden said “that would be good” but added the U.S. has not verified that.
“Indeed our analysts indicate that they remain very much in a threatening position,” Biden said. “And the fact remains, right now Russia has more than 150,000 troops encircling Ukraine and Belarus and along Ukraine’s border.”
“An invasion,” Biden said, “remains distinctly possible.”
See also:
–Russia Says Some Troops Pulling Back From Ukraine Border, As Diplomatic Solution Sought
–US Hasn’t Verified Russian Pullback Of Troops Near Ukraine