Biden threatens sanctions against Russia over Ukraine situation

U.S. President Joe Biden on Tuesday said the United States is still pursuing a diplomatic solution to the current standoff between Russia and the West over Ukraine. He however warned Russia of severe sanctions should it choose to "invade its neighbor."

In televised remarks delivered from the White House on the evolving situation on Ukraine's borders, Biden said his country is prepared "to engage in diplomacy with Russia and our allies and partners to improve stability and security in Europe as a whole," adding that if Russia chooses to "invade" Ukraine, the West will "respond decisively."

Biden said he agrees with a proposal from the Russian government to continue diplomatic negotiations, adding "we should give diplomacy every chance to succeed." He said he told Russian President Vladimir Putin during their phone call on Saturday that the United States is willing to "keep pursuing high-level diplomacy" to negotiate "written understandings" with Russia.

Putin told a press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz earlier Tuesday that Russia doesn't want to go to war with Ukraine, but rather resolve the issue of NATO expansion "through peaceful means." Russia, he added, would "very much hope that our partners hear our concerns and take them seriously."

（Xinhua News Agency）