[Comprehensive] Biden: "Putin Seems Like He Will Do Something... Warns of 'Disaster' if Ukraine Is Invaded" Announces Strong Sanctions

Press Conference Ahead of 1st Anniversary of Inauguration

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joeslgina] "My guess is that (Vladimir Putin, President of Russia) will do whatever it takes. If he invades Ukraine, it will be a ‘disaster’ for Russia."

U.S. President Joe Biden predicted on the 19th (local time) that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine could become a reality, and warned that in such a case, unprecedentedly strong sanctions would be imposed.

On the day before the first anniversary of his inauguration, President Biden held a press conference and stated, "If Russia invades (Ukraine), it will have to be held accountable." He said, "I cannot be sure what he (President Putin) will do," but added, "My guess is he will do something. He has to do something." He also added, "He (President Putin) is trying to find his position between China and the West."

He did not forget to issue a strong warning. President Biden raised his voice, saying, "If Russia invades Ukraine, it will be a disaster for Russia," and "Our allies and partners are ready to impose serious costs and damage on Russia and the Russian economy." In particular, he hinted at ultra-strong financial sanctions, saying that Russian banks would not be able to settle in ‘dollars.’ This is interpreted as referring to the possibility of excluding Russia from the international financial messaging system (SWIFT).

He also mentioned, "(President Putin) has never seen sanctions at the level I promised." The Biden administration is reportedly also considering semiconductor export restrictions targeting Russia. They are preparing a new export restriction card against Russia in case the invasion becomes a reality.

However, President Biden shook his head at the possibility of full-scale war. He said, "(President Putin) does not seem to want full-scale war yet. He will test the West," and it is expected that Russia will have to pay a heavy price in such a case.

President Biden acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the situation, saying, "The only thing I am certain of is that it is entirely President Putin’s decision." Regarding Russia’s demand to prohibit Ukraine’s membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), he predicted that Ukraine is unlikely to join NATO in the near future.

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

On the 20th, marking the first anniversary of his inauguration, President Biden emphasized the achievements of the past year during the press conference by mentioning specific figures related to COVID-19 response through vaccination, job performance, and income.

When criticized about the administration’s numerous challenges such as inflation and welfare bills blocked by Congress, and whether he promised more than he could actually deliver at the time of inauguration one year ago, he self-assessed, "I have never made excessive promises. I think I have done better than others thought," and said, "The situation is improving."

President Biden said, "I know there is a lot of frustration and fatigue in this country. The reason is COVID-19," but also mentioned, "Omicron is a concern but not a cause for panic." He emphasized that the U.S. is in a better position to cope with COVID-19 through vaccination and other measures.

He urged repeatedly, "Because vaccination is effective, we must continue current vaccination efforts," and said, "Get vaccinated. And get your booster shots." He also reaffirmed that despite the pandemic, more than 95% of U.S. schools are open, and there will be no economic lockdowns or school shutdowns.

He nodded to criticism that many Americans are struggling to make ends meet due to the highest inflation in 40 years. However, Vice President Biden attributed this to the responsibility of the central bank, the Federal Reserve (Fed).

In December last year, the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) surged 7.0% year-on-year, marking the largest increase in nearly 40 years. In response to the question, "Do Americans have to keep seeing these high prices at grocery stores and gas stations?" he said, "We must control inflation." He also mentioned, "The important mission to prevent inflation from becoming entrenched lies with the Fed, which has the dual mandate of full employment and price stability."

Furthermore, he argued, "Considering the strength of our economy and the recent pace of inflation, it is appropriate to recalibrate the support as Fed Chair Jerome Powell has pointed out." Regarding the Fed’s upcoming moves such as interest rate hikes, he said, "I respect the Fed’s independence."

At the same time, President Biden expressed uncertainty when asked if it is time to remove tariffs imposed on Chinese products, emphasizing that China’s promise to purchase American goods must be kept.

He also hinted at his intention to run for re-election in 2024. When asked if he is satisfied with Vice President Kamala Harris’s work and if she is expected to be his running mate in 2024, he answered, "Yes and yes." He added, "She is my first choice for running mate," and said, "I think she is doing a good job."

Regarding the social welfare budget bill, a key agenda item blocked in Congress, he expressed hope for its passage, saying, "I will not change my priorities." He indirectly criticized former President Donald Trump by saying, "Have you ever seen a situation where one person threatens an entire party, and lawmakers do not want to vote differently because they fear losing in primaries?"

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.