US Department of Defense: "There is Time to Prevent Russian Invasion" ... Draws Line on 'Preemptive Sanctions' Claim

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Joselgina] John Kirby, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Defense, stated on the 20th (local time) regarding the claim that sanctions should be imposed before Russia invades Ukraine, "Russian President Vladimir Putin has not yet launched another invasion in Ukraine," adding, "We still believe there is time to prevent it."

Kirby appeared on Fox News Sunday and said, "Sanctions must serve as a deterrent." He added, "If you punish someone for something they have not yet done, they might just decide to do it," and "We hope that these measures will have an impact on President Putin's calculations."

Furthermore, Kirby explained, "We are willing to discuss missile attack capabilities in Europe and have made serious proposals (to Russia)." He said, "We have discussed changing the scope and scale of training in Europe," adding, "We presented other proposals to convince President Putin that we are serious."

However, he made it clear that Ukraine's membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is a matter between Ukraine and NATO. He emphasized, "President Putin does not have a veto or the authority to decide on this himself." He also criticized President Putin for claiming that Ukraine is preparing to invade Russia, saying he is "playing the victim."

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