The world will not forget that Russia chose needless death and destruction. If Russia attacks Ukraine, it’ll be met with overwhelming international condemnation. If Russia does invade in the days or weeks ahead, the human cost for Ukraine will be immense, and the strategic cost for Russia will also be immense. I say these things not to provoke but to speak the truth - because the truth matters accountability matters. But if Russia attacks Ukraine, it would be a war of choice, or a war without cause or reason. Seventy-seven years ago, our people fought and sacrificed side by side to end the worst war in history. And I do not believe you want a bloody, destructive war against Ukraine - a country and a people with whom you share such deep ties of family, history, and culture. To the citizens of Russia: You are not our enemy. We’re not targeting the people of Russia. We do not - do not have plans to put them there as well. The United States and NATO are not a threat to Russia. Let me be equally clear about what we are not doing: We have shared what we know and what we are doing about it. It is why we have temporarily relocated our embassy from Kyiv to Lviv in western Ukraine, approaching the Polish border.Īnd we’ve been transparent with the American people and with the world about Russia’s plans and the seriousness of the situation so that everyone can see for themselves what is happening. That’s why I’ve asked several times that all Americans in Ukraine leave now before it’s too late to leave safely. And the fact remains: Right now, Russia has more than 150,000 troops encircling Ukraine in Belarus and along Ukraine’s border.Īn invasion remains distinctly possible. Indeed, our analysts indicate that they remain very much in a threatening position.
We have not yet verified that Russian military units are returning to their home bases. That would be good, but we have not yet verified that. The Russian Defense Ministry reported today that some military units are leaving their positions near Ukraine. And we’ll continue our diplomatic efforts in close consultation with our Allies and our partners.Īs long as there is hope of a diplomatic resolution that prevents the use of force and avoids the incredible human suffering that would follow, we will pursue it. That’s the best way forward for all parties, in our view. They have the freedom to set their own course and choose with whom they will associate.īut that still leaves plenty of room for diplomacy and for de-escalation. Nations have a right to sovereignty and territorial integrity. We will not sacrifice basic principles, though. These measures would apply to all parties - NATO and Russia alike.Īnd we’re willing to make practical, results-oriented steps that can advance our common security. We’re proposing new arms control measures, new transparency measures, new strategic stability measures. The United States has put on the table concrete ideas to establish a security environment in Europe. I believe there are real ways to address our respective security concerns. We should give the diplomacy every chance to succeed. Yesterday, the Russian government publicly proposed to continue the diplomacy. President Putin and I agreed that our teams should continue to engage toward this end along with our European Allies and partners. This weekend I spoke again with President Putin to make clear that we are ready to keep pursuing high-level diplomacy to reach written understandings among Russia, the United States, and the nations of Europe to address legitimate security concerns if that’s what - his wish. So, today I want to speak to the American people about the situation on the ground, the steps we’ve taken, the actions we’re prepared to take, and what’s at stake for us and the world, and how this may impact on us here at home.įor weeks now, together with our Allies and partners, my administration has engaged in non-stop diplomacy. Through all of the events of the last few weeks and months, this has been our approach. We are ready with diplomacy - to be engaged in diplomacy with Russia and our Allies and partners to improve stability and security in Europe as a whole.Īnd we are ready to respond decisively to a Russian attack on Ukraine, which is still very much a possibility.
#TAKEN MONOLOGUE UPDATE#
Today, I’d like to provide an update on the crisis involving Russia and Ukraine.įrom the beginning of this crisis, I have been absolutely clear and consistent: The United States is prepared no matter what happens.
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