US President Joe Biden has warned Russian President Vladimir Putin against invading Ukraine. An invasion would result in “disaster for Russia,” Biden said at a White House anniversary news conference on Wednesday. Thus, even in the event of a military success in Ukraine, Russian troops would suffer “heavy” casualties.
Biden again threatened extensive sanctions against Russia: “Our allies and partners are ready to impose heavy costs and significant damage on Russia and the Russian economy.” At the same time, the US President was convinced that Putin did not want a “complete war”. Putin has the choice between “escalation or diplomacy”.
Because of a massive Russian troop deployment on the border with Ukraine, the West fears that Russia is preparing to invade the neighboring country. The government in Moscow denies this.
Overall, Biden defended his administration’s record against criticism. Biden spoke of a year of challenges, but also of “tremendous progress”.
Among other things, the US President referred to the increase in vaccination rates since taking office a year ago and to economic successes. Six million new jobs were created during his reign. Unemployment and poverty have decreased, while wages have increased.
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Biden’s approval ratings have dropped significantly, according to surveys, only 42 percent of Americans are satisfied with his work. Biden is under pressure, among other things, because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, which his administration has suffered setbacks in combating. While the unemployment rate has fallen close to pre-pandemic levels, inflation is a concern, with consumer prices in the United States rising at their highest rate in 40 years. In terms of foreign policy, the debacle surrounding the US withdrawal from Afghanistan has damaged the president.
Biden also failed to deliver on several key promises. So far, he has failed in Congress with plans for electoral law reforms and a legislative package for social and climate protection – although his Democrats have narrow majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. In the congressional elections in November, the Republicans could win back the majority in both chambers.
Democrat Biden took over the presidency this Thursday (January 20) a year ago from Republican Donald Trump. To this day, Trump sees himself deprived of victory by electoral fraud without any evidence, and he has never acknowledged his defeat. Trump’s camp failed with dozens of lawsuits against the result. (Tsp, AFP, dpa)
