New Delhi: Amid rising tensions of Russia escalating into Ukraine, the US has warned that if it happens, then Russia will have to face “serious consequences.” It also said that it welcomed any effort by Russia towards de-escalation of tensions in the region.
"I have made it clear early on to President (Vladimir) Putin that if he were to move into Ukraine, there would be severe consequences, including significant economic sanctions, as well as I would feel obliged to beef up our presence -- NATO's presence on the eastern front: Poland, Romania etc.," Joe Biden told reporters.
PTI reports that Biden had earlier chaired a meeting with his national security team and said “there has been no change in the posture of the Russian forces. They are along the entire Belarus border."
He also stated his intention that the US did not intend to put American forces or NATO forces in Ukraine. "But as I said, there are going to be serious economic consequences if he (Putin) moves," he emphasised.
ALSO READ: Afghan Girls Must Return To School In Spring, Says Former President Hamid Karzai
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters that there are one lakh Russian troops present at the border and said that it exhibits Russia's aggressive actions and preparations at the border.
"So, while, of course, our preferred path is diplomacy -- and we cannot predict where the mind of President Putin is -- we have certainly seen aggressive actions and preparations increasing at the border," she said.
Responding to a question, Psaki welcomed any efforts to de-escalate the tensions in the region. "We certainly welcome any efforts to de-escalate and we are in touch with a range of allies and partners on this. But I do not have any specific conversations to read out that relate to Indian officials," she said.
The Pentagon said it has put some troops here domestically on a heightened alert posture.
ALSO ON ABPLIVE: Downing Street Parties: Police To Investigate Breach Of Covid-19 Regulations By UK PM Boris Johnson
In order to take stock of recent engagements US State Secretary Antony Blinken had a talk with British Foreign Secretary Elizabeth Truss. They also discussed ways to deter Russia from its escalation in and around Ukraine.
"The United States and the United Kingdom are coordinating with each other, as well as with NATO and European allies and partners, to encourage Russia to de-escalate tensions and commit to a path of diplomacy," State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said.
"The Secretary and Foreign Secretary Truss also discussed coordination to stand firmly against economic coercion by the People's Republic of China, and how to reach a successful conclusion on talks with Iran on mutual return to implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action," he added.