US Vice President Warns Again of Unprecedented Massive Economic Sanctions if Russia Invades Ukraine

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has once again warned that Russia would face unprecedentedly severe economic sanctions if it invades Ukraine. The U.S. government is viewing the possibility of a Russian invasion of Ukraine as very high and is reportedly calling for unity with major European countries to coordinate sanctions against Russia.

According to AFP on the 19th (local time), Vice President Harris stated on the second day of the Munich Security Conference held in Munich, Germany, "If Russia invades Ukraine, the United States, together with its allies and partners, will impose massive and unprecedented economic costs." She emphasized, "These comprehensive and coordinated measures will inflict significant damage on those responsible."

Harris's remarks came amid the U.S. government's high assessment of the likelihood of a Russian invasion of Ukraine. Earlier, U.S. President Joe Biden mentioned that Russia is reinforcing troops near the Ukrainian border and that an invasion could occur within days. He also revealed credible evidence that Russian President Vladimir Putin has decided to invade, further heightening military tensions.

Vice President Harris also referred to economic sanctions against Russia, saying, "They will be swift, severe, and united," and "will target Russian financial institutions and key industries." However, the proposal to exclude Russian banks from the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) payment system is expected to be difficult to include in the initial sanctions due to significant disagreements among European countries.

Seemingly aware of this, Harris acknowledged, "We did not all start from the same point," admitting that there was no complete consensus with European allies initially. Nevertheless, she stressed, "We have come together through diplomacy, and now we are speaking with one unified voice."

Alongside economic sanctions, Vice President Harris emphasized that the United States will further strengthen NATO's eastern region forces. She underscored that U.S. support for NATO allies is "sacrosanct." She said, "We will respond clearly to those who seek to test us. Today, the United States and its allies and partners stand more united than ever. Do not underestimate our strength."

On the same day, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, visiting Lithuania, highlighted the imminent war situation at a press conference, stating, "Russian forces are moving into positions suitable for attack." U.S. intelligence agencies report that Russia has deployed approximately 169,000 to 190,000 troops near the Ukrainian border. This contradicts Russian claims that some troops are withdrawing and indicates that troop numbers are actually increasing.

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