Today in US politics
That’s it from me today, after an eventful day in Washington. Here’s how the day unfolded:
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Joe Biden said the world is witnessing “the beginning of a Russian invasion of Ukraine”, as Vladimir Putin ordered troops into east Ukraine. In his speech this afternoon, Biden argued that Putin’s recognition of the two self-proclaimed territories in Luhansk and Donetsk represented “a flagrant violation of international law”.
- Biden announced the first round of US sanctions against Russia in response to Putin’s military actions in Ukraine. The sanctions will target Russia’s financial institutions, sovereign debt and elite families. “And if Russia goes further with this invasion, we stand prepared to go further as with sanctions,” Biden said.
- Biden is also deploying US forces and equipment to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to help fortify those countries’ defenses. “Let me be clear, these are totally defensive moves on our part. We have no intention of fighting Russia,” Biden said. “We want to send an unmistakable message though, that the United States – together with our allies – will defend every inch of Nato territory and abide by the commitments we made to Nato.”
- Some Republicans criticized Biden’s sanctions as an insufficient response to Russian aggression in Ukraine. “The sanctions outlined are woefully inadequate to deter Putin’s efforts to redraw the European map and dismember a neighboring democracy,” said Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. “I will continue to try to work with the Biden administration and Senate Democrats to create crippling sanctions for Putin’s invasion.”
- Meanwhile, Russian lawmakers granted Putin permission to use force outside the country, which could clear the way for a broader attack on Ukraine. “Whatever Russia does next, we’re ready to respond with unity, clarity and conviction,” Biden said this afternoon. “I’m hoping diplomacy is still available.”
The US politics blog will return tomorrow with more updates from Washington. Until then, make sure to follow the Guardian’s live blog on the Ukraine crisis:
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National security council officials are expected to soon brief congressional leaders and committee staff on the first round of US sanctions against Russia, according to NBC News.
NEW: After President Biden's speech today announcing the first tranche of sanctions against Russia, NSC staff will brief Congressional leadership and committee staff at 5:30 today on the sanctions, per two senior Senate staff and a White Hoise official w/ @carolelee
— Leigh Ann Caldwell (@LACaldwellDC) February 22, 2022
In his remarks this afternoon, Joe Biden said the first round of sanctions in response to Vladimir Putin’s military actions in east Ukraine would target Russian financial institutions, sovereign debt and elite families.
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