US talks about Ukraine crisis - 'While the tanks are still not rolling'
The United States is ready to continue diplomatic efforts to resolve the current Ukraine crisis "as long as the tanks don't roll," and is ready to respond to Russia in the event of an invasion of the country, a senior US official said.
“Russia continues to exacerbate a crisis that is primarily of its own making. We will continue to pursue diplomacy as long as the tanks are not rolling. At the same time, we have no illusions about what might happen in the future and are ready to respond decisively,” a White House official said at a special press briefing, commenting on Russia’s recognition of the DNR and LNR.
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| Illustration photo: Sputnik/Aleksey Agaryshev. |
According to him, in the event of an armed conflict in Ukraine, the US has no intention of sending its troops to fight.
“I have nothing more to add after President Joe Biden spoke and announced that he has no plans to send US troops to participate in the war in Ukraine,” - the White House representative emphasized.
New US sanctions against Russia
Earlier, it was reported that US President Joe Biden issued a decree on the first package of sanctions against Russia for recognizing the independence of the DNR and LNR, and is preparing to announce additional measures.
“Today, President Biden issued an executive order prohibiting new investments by US individuals and entities in the so-called DNR and LNR regions, trade with them, and financing them. The order also authorizes the imposition of sanctions against any entity operating in these regions of Ukraine,” a senior US administration official said.
“We will take additional measures on February 22 to force Russia to answer for its violations of international law and Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he added.