Biden warns that “US is prepared” regarding Ukraine

U.S. president Joe Biden gave remarks on the situation
with Russia and Ukraine on Feb. 15. In the remarks, Biden stated that the U.S.
was prepared for whatever happened, from diplomacy to a Russian attack,
according to the transcript from whitehouse.gov. Biden explained that there
could be a cost to the U.S. economically. He also pointed out that the Russian
military had announced a partial pull-back, but that it had not been confirmed.
”Indeed, our analysts indicate that they remain very much in a threatening
position,” Biden stated.

Biden also spoke to the people of Russia, stating that
the U.S. is not their enemy. Furthermore, unlike in WWII, when the Soviet
peoples and the U.S. fought side by side in a war of necessity, this is a war
of choice. “The world will not forget that Russia chose needless death and
destruction,” he said.

Biden closed with a warning to all concerned: “If we
do not stand for freedom where it is at risk today, we’ll surely pay a steeper
price tomorrow.”

James Hydzik: Biden’s
words will reach very few in Russia. In the U.S., it should resonate with
centrists in both parties, but more radical nationalist or isolationist
politicians might find its position almost irrelevant. For Ukrainians, it’s the
culmination to date of support that has seen unprecedented quantities of
defensive weaponry arrive. Intelligence gathering over Ukraine has taken on new
proportions, thus preventing “little green men” from sprouting.