US President Joe Biden condemned Russia’s attack on Ukraine in a public address on Thursday and said the US will introduce tougher penalties and sanctions on Russia..“This aggression cannot go unanswered,” said Biden..Biden said the US is committed to supporting and defending NATO allies in response to Russia’s attack on Ukraine..“Our forces are not and will not be engaged in conflict with Russia in Ukraine,” said Biden..“Our forces are not going to Europe to fight in Ukraine, but to defend our NATO allies and reassure those allies in the east.”.Biden confirmed thousands of American troops have been sent to Germany and Poland over the past few weeks as part of the US commitment to NATO..“In addition to the economic penalties we are imposing, were also taking steps to defend our NATO allies,” said Biden, who confirmed he will be meeting with 30 other NATO allies at a summit planned for Friday..“Americans stand up to bullies; we stand up for freedom..“I condemned this unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces,” said Biden in a statement after speaking with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy..He said Zelenskyy was briefed on the steps the US will take in rallying international condemnation..“We will continue to provide support and assistance to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people,” said Biden..Biden met with G7 leaders and in a statement has “reaffirmed their resolve to respond swiftly to President Putin’s unprovoked and unjustified attack on Ukraine” and will move forward with “devastating packages of sanctions and other economic measures” on Russia..“The G7 makes up the world’s leading democracies and 50% of the world’s economy—and the costs the G7 will impose together on Russia will be unprecedented,” said the White House..“As a result of Putin’s choices, Russia will now face immediate and intense pressure on its economy and massive costs from its isolation from the global financial system, global trade, and cutting-edge technology.”.The leaders said they will “intensify ongoing efforts” to mitigate any effects to the global energy markets as a result of Russia’s actions..More to come….Melanie Risdon is a reporter with the Western Standard.,.mrisdon@westernstandardonline.com
