Biden: "Russia's Threat to Invade Ukraine Remains... Troop Withdrawal Not Verified" (Update)

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Josel Gina] "The threat of Russia's invasion of Ukraine remains high."

On the 15th (local time), U.S. President Joe Biden commented on Russia's announcement of withdrawing some troops from the Ukraine border area, saying, "That would be good," but added, "We have not yet verified it."

President Biden gave a brief speech at the White House on the day before the 16th, which the U.S. government has identified as the likely day of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, stating, "We have not yet confirmed that Russian troops are returning to their headquarters. They are still in threatening positions," and said, "An invasion of Ukraine is possible."

He also warned that if Russia invades Ukraine, it will "face overwhelming international condemnation." He explained that the world will never forget the fact that Russia chose unnecessary death and destruction. President Biden again urged Americans in Ukraine to leave the country immediately.

Along with this, President Biden said, "We are prepared to respond firmly to Russia's invasion," and "We are ready for whatever happens." However, he also left the door open for diplomacy. He said, "I believe there is a way to address each security concern," but added, "We will not lose our fundamental principles."

On the same day, Russia announced that some units deployed near the Ukraine border have completed training and are returning to their main bases. The scale or location of the reduction was not disclosed. Russian President Vladimir Putin, after concluding talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Moscow, stated, "Do we want war? Of course not," leading to some analysis that the possibility of an invasion becoming a reality may have somewhat eased.

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