Biden: "No US Troop Deployment to Ukraine... Expecting NATO-Russia Talks"

"Ukraine Is Not Covered by NATO Defense Clause"
Emphasis on Diplomatic Solutions... Putin Also Stresses Dialogue with the West

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] U.S. President Joe Biden stated that there are no plans to deploy U.S. troops to Ukraine and expressed hope for a meeting between NATO and Russia. This is interpreted as an intention to resolve concerns over Russia's potential invasion of Ukraine through diplomatic means. Russian President Vladimir Putin also refrained from making harsh remarks and announced that he would continue discussions with the U.S., leading to expectations that the military tensions between the two countries surrounding Ukraine will ease somewhat.

At a press conference held at the White House on the 8th (local time), President Biden drew a line when asked whether U.S. troops would be deployed to Ukraine, saying, "That is not on the table." He emphasized, "Under NATO's collective defense clause, Article Five of the mutual defense treaty, there is a moral and legal obligation to NATO allies, but that obligation will not extend to Ukraine."

President Biden continued, "Whether U.S. military intervention occurs depends on what other NATO countries do," and explained, "The idea that the U.S. would unilaterally use force against Russia is not currently in my cards."

However, he reaffirmed the basic policy that strong economic sanctions could be imposed if Russia invades Ukraine. President Biden stated, "If Russia invades Ukraine, I made it clear to President Putin that there will be economic consequences he has never seen before," and emphasized, "I am confident that President Putin understands this message."

President Biden also expressed hope that talks between NATO and Russia would take place. He said, "We hope that by the 10th, not only we but at least the four major NATO countries and Russia can announce high-level talks to discuss Russia's concerns about NATO and negotiations related to easing tensions on the eastern front of Ukraine." It is expected that the focus will be on easing military tensions through diplomatic solutions with Russia.

President Putin also refrained from harsh remarks and emphasized dialogue with the West. According to Russia's TASS news agency, after a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, President Putin said at a press conference, "Russia pursues a peaceful foreign policy, but in the medium to long term, it has the right to secure its own security," and "We have agreed to create an organization to professionally handle this issue with the United States, and Russia will soon prepare and deliver measures related to NATO's security guarantees to the U.S. side."