Biden: "Today I'm authorizing additional strong sanctions and new limitations on what can be exported to Russia." Says "we have purposefully chosen these sanctions to maximize the long-term impact on Russia."

"We will limit Russia's ability to do business in dollars, euros, pounds and yen to be part of the global economy. We're going to stop the ability to finance and grow the Russian military. We're going to impair their ability to compete in a high-tech 21st century economy."

NEW: Biden says, "today we're also blocking four more major banks. That means every asset they have in America will be frozen. This includes VTB, the second largest bank in Russia, which has $250 billion in assets."

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Natasha Bertrand

@NatashaBertrand

Feb 22

Biden: "This is the beginning of a Russian invasion of Ukraine...so I am going to begin to impose sanctions in response, far beyond" anything implemented in 2014. And if Russia continues its invasion sanctions will go even further, Biden says.

"Russia has now undeniably moved against Ukraine by declaring these independent states," Biden says. Says US implementing full blocking sanctions on VEB and Russia's military bank, sanctions on Russia's sovereign debt, and in coming days--Russia's elites and family members.

Nord Stream 2 will not move forward, Biden says. Biden says he has authorized today, in response to Russia's refusal to withdraw troops from Belarus, additional movements of US forces and equipment already stationed in Europe to strengthen Baltic allies.

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Natasha Bertrand

@NatashaBertrand

Feb 15

Biden: "The Russian defense minister reported today that some military units are leaving their positions near Ukraine. That would be good....We have not yet verified that...Indeed, our analysts indicate that they remain very much in a threatening position."

"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 the people with whom you share such deep ties of family history and culture."

"While I will not send American servicemen to fight in Ukraine, we have supplied Ukraine with military equipment to help them defend themselves. We have provided training and advice and intelligence for the same purpose."

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Natasha Bertrand

@NatashaBertrand

Feb 11

NSA Jake Sullivan declines to comment on US intelligence with regard to Russian invasion, but says "it could begin during the Olympics despite speculation that it would only happen after the Olympics."

Sullivan says an invasion would likely begin with aerial bombing and missile attacks, followed by a ground invasion. Reiterates to Americans that it is time to leave now, while commercial options exist and roads are open. US military will not be sent in for rescues, he says.

"We are not saying a final decision has been made by President Putin," Sullivan says. But "we are in an urgent situation."
"Russia has all the forces it needs to conduct a major military action," he says, "in very short order."

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Natasha Bertrand

@NatashaBertrand

Feb 2

Breaking: Pentagon Press Sec Kirby confirms that US will soon move additional forces to Romania, Poland and Germany. “These are not permanent moves,” he says. “These forces are not going to fight in Ukraine.” Going to shore up NATO allies.

So: 1,000 troops will be moved from Germany to Romania
And 2,000 will be moved from the US to Europe— Specifically, to Poland and Germany.
These forces are separate and in addition to the 8,500 troops on heightened alert now in the US, Kirby says.

Kirby confirms El País reporting on documents US and NATO sent to Russia, says US didn’t leak it but now that it’s out there, it shows unity among allies english.elpais.com/usa/2022-02-02…

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