WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden on Friday said the US had reason to believe that Russia would attack the Ukrainian capital in the coming days, calling the situation “a growing crisis.”
Speaking at the White House, Biden said he was “convinced” that Russian President Vladimir Putin had already “made a decision” to attack Ukraine, but said the decision of officials was still on the table.
“It’s not too late to lower the bar and go back to the negotiating table,” Biden said.
The president also said that Russia was pressuring “further disinformation” in an effort to make Ukraine look like a tyrant. Biden said it was part of the Kremlin’s playbook to establish “false grounds for action against Ukraine.”
Biden also insisted that he would not send US troops to fight in Ukraine.
Friday’s speech came after two morning calls. Biden discussed the situation in Ukraine with a group of US lawmakers who accompanied Deputy President Kamala Harris to the Munich Security Summit. He also spoke by telephone with European and NATO leaders.
“Despite Russia’s attempts to divide us at home and abroad, I can assure you that it did not happen,” Biden said. “The amazing message on both phones was unity, determination and determination.”
Just before Biden spoke, deputy national security adviser on cyber and emerging technology Anne Neuberger told reporters that the US believed Russia was behind the attacks on Ukrainian banks earlier this week.