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Biden warns Russia of ‘enormous consequences’ if it invades Ukraine – live Biden warns Russia of ‘enormous consequences’ if it invades Ukraine – live
(32 minutes later)
President says any invasion from Russia would ‘change the world’ – follow the latest politics newsPresident says any invasion from Russia would ‘change the world’ – follow the latest politics news
Amid ongoing discussion of the developing situation in Ukraine, Joe Biden has made comments today about the significance of a possible invasion.Amid ongoing discussion of the developing situation in Ukraine, Joe Biden has made comments today about the significance of a possible invasion.
“It would be the largest invasion since World War II,” Biden said of a possible Ukraine invasion by Russia. “It would change the world.”“It would be the largest invasion since World War II,” Biden said of a possible Ukraine invasion by Russia. “It would change the world.”
Biden added that there would be “enormous consequences” for Russia if an invasion were to take place, also noting that US troops could be moving to Europe in the “near term” but won’t be in Ukraine.Biden added that there would be “enormous consequences” for Russia if an invasion were to take place, also noting that US troops could be moving to Europe in the “near term” but won’t be in Ukraine.
More details to come.More details to come.
More on Representative Jim Cooper announcing his retirement today: Cooper previously decried gerrymandering efforts in Tennessee, noting that the attempts of Tennessee Republicans to divide Nashville could cost him his seat.
In an interview with CNN last year about Tennessee GOP wanting to break up the Nashville district, Cooper said: “They couldn’t beat me fairly...So, now they’re trying to beat me by gerrymandering.”
Cooper also noted during that interview: “It’s not about me...It’s about the political future of Nashvillians. And they deserve their own voice, regardless of who is their congressman.”
Read the article and Cooper’s previous comments here.
Tennessee representative Jim Cooper, who has served the House for over 30 years, has announced that he will not seek reelection after saying there is “no way” he would win his seat given new congressional maps created by state Republicans.Tennessee representative Jim Cooper, who has served the House for over 30 years, has announced that he will not seek reelection after saying there is “no way” he would win his seat given new congressional maps created by state Republicans.
Cooper, a democrat, has represented the 5th congressional district of Nashville since 2003, also serving in the House from 1983 to 1995 as a moderate Democrat.Cooper, a democrat, has represented the 5th congressional district of Nashville since 2003, also serving in the House from 1983 to 1995 as a moderate Democrat.
Cooper’s announcement came only one day after a new congressional map was approved by Tennessee’s General Assembly, which would split Nashville, a Democrat-leaning city, three ways.Cooper’s announcement came only one day after a new congressional map was approved by Tennessee’s General Assembly, which would split Nashville, a Democrat-leaning city, three ways.
The map still needs final approval by Republican governor Bill Lee.The map still needs final approval by Republican governor Bill Lee.
“I cannot thank the people of Nashville enough,” said Cooper in a statement. “You backed me more than almost anyone in Tennessee history, making me the state’s 3rd longest-serving member of Congress.”“I cannot thank the people of Nashville enough,” said Cooper in a statement. “You backed me more than almost anyone in Tennessee history, making me the state’s 3rd longest-serving member of Congress.”
Cooper also criticized GOP state lawmakers for creating the map that would divide Nashville despite ongoing appeals to keep the city whole.Cooper also criticized GOP state lawmakers for creating the map that would divide Nashville despite ongoing appeals to keep the city whole.
“There’s no way, at least for me in this election cycle, but there may be a path for other worthy candidates,” said Cooper.“There’s no way, at least for me in this election cycle, but there may be a path for other worthy candidates,” said Cooper.
Cooper is the 29th Democrat to announce they will not be seeking reelection in what could spell disaster for congressional democrats come midterms.Cooper is the 29th Democrat to announce they will not be seeking reelection in what could spell disaster for congressional democrats come midterms.
Biden has made additional comments concerning a potential invasion of Ukraine by Russia, clarifying that the US has no plans to send troops to Ukraine, but saying that he would oversee sanctions against Russia.Biden has made additional comments concerning a potential invasion of Ukraine by Russia, clarifying that the US has no plans to send troops to Ukraine, but saying that he would oversee sanctions against Russia.
When reporters asked Biden if he could see himself personally sanctioning Putin over an invasion of Ukraine, Biden said: “Yes, I would see that.”When reporters asked Biden if he could see himself personally sanctioning Putin over an invasion of Ukraine, Biden said: “Yes, I would see that.”
Biden has also said that he isn’t certain if Putin will actually invade Ukraine, adding that, “I don’t think even his people know for certain,” comparing the status of a potential invasion to “reading tea leaves.”Biden has also said that he isn’t certain if Putin will actually invade Ukraine, adding that, “I don’t think even his people know for certain,” comparing the status of a potential invasion to “reading tea leaves.”
US officials are considering a range of financial options that could be used as punishment if Russia invades Ukraine.US officials are considering a range of financial options that could be used as punishment if Russia invades Ukraine.
Here is an explainer of some options being considered by the US, written by the Associated Press’ Ellen Knickmeyer:Here is an explainer of some options being considered by the US, written by the Associated Press’ Ellen Knickmeyer:
Read the full article here.Read the full article here.
Amid ongoing discussion of the developing situation in Ukraine, Joe Biden has made comments today about the significance of a possible invasion.Amid ongoing discussion of the developing situation in Ukraine, Joe Biden has made comments today about the significance of a possible invasion.
“It would be the largest invasion since World War II,” Biden said of a possible Ukraine invasion by Russia. “It would change the world.”“It would be the largest invasion since World War II,” Biden said of a possible Ukraine invasion by Russia. “It would change the world.”
Biden added that there would be “enormous consequences” for Russia if an invasion were to take place, also noting that US troops could be moving to Europe in the “near term” but won’t be in Ukraine.Biden added that there would be “enormous consequences” for Russia if an invasion were to take place, also noting that US troops could be moving to Europe in the “near term” but won’t be in Ukraine.
More details to come.More details to come.
In other news, Officer Eugene Goodman, one of the attending officers who faced off with rioters during the 6 January Capitol attack, has spoken publicly for the first since the failed insurrection.In other news, Officer Eugene Goodman, one of the attending officers who faced off with rioters during the 6 January Capitol attack, has spoken publicly for the first since the failed insurrection.
Speaking on an episode of “3 Brothers No Sense” podcast, Goodman spoke on his experiences that day, including navigating fame after many found out that Goodman had successfully prevented rioters from entering the Senate chambers, allowing senators and their staff to evacuate.Speaking on an episode of “3 Brothers No Sense” podcast, Goodman spoke on his experiences that day, including navigating fame after many found out that Goodman had successfully prevented rioters from entering the Senate chambers, allowing senators and their staff to evacuate.
“In any situation like that, you desperately want to de-escalate but at the same time, you want to survive first ... It could have easily been a bloodbath,” said Goodman.“In any situation like that, you desperately want to de-escalate but at the same time, you want to survive first ... It could have easily been a bloodbath,” said Goodman.
“So kudos to everybody there that showed a measure of restraint with regards to deadly force because it could have been bad. Really, really bad.”“So kudos to everybody there that showed a measure of restraint with regards to deadly force because it could have been bad. Really, really bad.”
In addition to discussing how he has generally navigated his increased profile, Goodman also shared a funny anecdote about attempting to get merchandise that had his image on it: “I actually saw a guy with a sweatshirt and I tried to buy one and he tried to charge [me]. I said, “this dude gonna charge me for my own face?’ That’s funny.”In addition to discussing how he has generally navigated his increased profile, Goodman also shared a funny anecdote about attempting to get merchandise that had his image on it: “I actually saw a guy with a sweatshirt and I tried to buy one and he tried to charge [me]. I said, “this dude gonna charge me for my own face?’ That’s funny.”
The full podcast episode is available here.The full podcast episode is available here.
Here’s where the day stands so far:Here’s where the day stands so far:
The US and its allies are preparing for potential conflict in Ukraine, as Russian President Vladimir Putin considers an invasion and builds up his troop presence along the border. Joe Biden held a virtual meeting with European leaders yesterday to discuss the situation in Ukraine and potential responses to Russian aggression. “I had a very, very, very good meeting – total unanimity with all the European leaders,” Biden told reporters.The US and its allies are preparing for potential conflict in Ukraine, as Russian President Vladimir Putin considers an invasion and builds up his troop presence along the border. Joe Biden held a virtual meeting with European leaders yesterday to discuss the situation in Ukraine and potential responses to Russian aggression. “I had a very, very, very good meeting – total unanimity with all the European leaders,” Biden told reporters.
The US is finalizing plans to divert natural gas to Europe in the event that Russia cuts off its supply to neighboring countries. Russia has already started restricting the flow of natural gas through the pipeline running through Ukraine, but US officials have said they are confident in plans to compensate for any further supply reduction to European allies.The US is finalizing plans to divert natural gas to Europe in the event that Russia cuts off its supply to neighboring countries. Russia has already started restricting the flow of natural gas through the pipeline running through Ukraine, but US officials have said they are confident in plans to compensate for any further supply reduction to European allies.
The Biden administration will hold two more classified briefings with members of Congress today to provide updates on the situation in Ukraine. The White House press secretary, Jen Psaki, said state department and Pentagon officials would brief House and Senate leadership and committee staff today, with plans to hold all-member briefings in the coming days.The Biden administration will hold two more classified briefings with members of Congress today to provide updates on the situation in Ukraine. The White House press secretary, Jen Psaki, said state department and Pentagon officials would brief House and Senate leadership and committee staff today, with plans to hold all-member briefings in the coming days.
The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
As press secretary Jen Psaki held her daily briefing to take questions about Ukraine, defense secretary Lloyd Austin and General Mark Milley, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, were spotted leaving the White House after spending more than two hours there.As press secretary Jen Psaki held her daily briefing to take questions about Ukraine, defense secretary Lloyd Austin and General Mark Milley, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, were spotted leaving the White House after spending more than two hours there.
A CBS News producer also saw secretary of state Antony Blinken arriving at the White House about an hour ago:A CBS News producer also saw secretary of state Antony Blinken arriving at the White House about an hour ago:
Joe Biden does not have anything on his official White House schedule today, as the president likely receives briefings on the situation in Ukraine and Russia’s troop buildup along the border.Joe Biden does not have anything on his official White House schedule today, as the president likely receives briefings on the situation in Ukraine and Russia’s troop buildup along the border.
Asked about Biden’s plans for the day, Psaki said the president had some policy meetings this morning and will review a speech later today, while acknowledging he may be spending some time in the Situation Room as well.Asked about Biden’s plans for the day, Psaki said the president had some policy meetings this morning and will review a speech later today, while acknowledging he may be spending some time in the Situation Room as well.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki confirmed that officials from the state department and the Pentagon will hold two classified briefings with lawmakers today to provide updates on the situation in Ukraine.White House press secretary Jen Psaki confirmed that officials from the state department and the Pentagon will hold two classified briefings with lawmakers today to provide updates on the situation in Ukraine.
“Today, we are providing two additional classified bipartisan briefings for House and Senate leadership and committee staff,” Psaki said.“Today, we are providing two additional classified bipartisan briefings for House and Senate leadership and committee staff,” Psaki said.
“They’ll be providing updates on recent developments with Ukraine and Russia and the state of play. We’re also working on all-members briefings for the House and the Senate in the coming days.”“They’ll be providing updates on recent developments with Ukraine and Russia and the state of play. We’re also working on all-members briefings for the House and the Senate in the coming days.”
Psaki noted that secretary of state Antony Blinken and deputy secretary of state Wendy Sherman have spoken to nearly 20 members of Congress in the past week, and they plan to have more conversations with lawmakers in the next few days.Psaki noted that secretary of state Antony Blinken and deputy secretary of state Wendy Sherman have spoken to nearly 20 members of Congress in the past week, and they plan to have more conversations with lawmakers in the next few days.
The White House has also had “dozens of engagements with Congress” to discuss Ukraine’s security situation since December, Psaki added.The White House has also had “dozens of engagements with Congress” to discuss Ukraine’s security situation since December, Psaki added.
The White House press secretary, Jen Psaki, was asked about whether the Biden administration has any plans to unilaterally deploy US troops to Ukraine amid concerns of a potential Russian invasion.The White House press secretary, Jen Psaki, was asked about whether the Biden administration has any plans to unilaterally deploy US troops to Ukraine amid concerns of a potential Russian invasion.
Psaki said the White House is focused on working with Nato to “plus up support” in allied eastern European countries as part of a coalition effort.Psaki said the White House is focused on working with Nato to “plus up support” in allied eastern European countries as part of a coalition effort.
“Just to be clear, there is no intention or interest or desire by the president to send troops to Ukraine,” Psaki said. “Nato is a forum to support our eastern flank partners and countries, and that’s what the focus has been on.”“Just to be clear, there is no intention or interest or desire by the president to send troops to Ukraine,” Psaki said. “Nato is a forum to support our eastern flank partners and countries, and that’s what the focus has been on.”
Psaki’s comments come one day after the Pentagon said 8,500 US troops had been placed on heightened alert to deploy to Ukraine if necessary.Psaki’s comments come one day after the Pentagon said 8,500 US troops had been placed on heightened alert to deploy to Ukraine if necessary.
A reporter asked Jen Psaki about the Biden administration’s work to divert natural gas to Europe in case Russia cuts off its supply in response to escalating tensions over Ukraine.A reporter asked Jen Psaki about the Biden administration’s work to divert natural gas to Europe in case Russia cuts off its supply in response to escalating tensions over Ukraine.
Psaki said the US is in communication with a “range of countries and partners” to discuss potential gas shortages in Europe, but she would not provide specific details on those talks.Psaki said the US is in communication with a “range of countries and partners” to discuss potential gas shortages in Europe, but she would not provide specific details on those talks.
The press secretary did note that officials are discussing how best to use existing energy stockpiles in Europe while also working to identify other potential sources of natural gas to prevent shortages.The press secretary did note that officials are discussing how best to use existing energy stockpiles in Europe while also working to identify other potential sources of natural gas to prevent shortages.
The Guardian’s Julian Borger reports that US officials are now confident Europe will not suffer from a sudden loss of energy if Russia cuts off its supply to nearby countries:The Guardian’s Julian Borger reports that US officials are now confident Europe will not suffer from a sudden loss of energy if Russia cuts off its supply to nearby countries:
The White House press secretary, Jen Psaki, is now holding her daily briefing with reporters, and she opened her remarks by announcing Joe Biden spoke to New York City Mayor Eric Adams last night.The White House press secretary, Jen Psaki, is now holding her daily briefing with reporters, and she opened her remarks by announcing Joe Biden spoke to New York City Mayor Eric Adams last night.
Psaki said Biden offered his condolences to Adams over the shooting of two New York police officers on Friday night, which resulted in the death of Officer Jason Rivera.Psaki said Biden offered his condolences to Adams over the shooting of two New York police officers on Friday night, which resulted in the death of Officer Jason Rivera.
Biden also emphasized his administration’s commitment to serving as a “strong federal partner” in the fight against gun violence in New York and other major cities, Psaki said.Biden also emphasized his administration’s commitment to serving as a “strong federal partner” in the fight against gun violence in New York and other major cities, Psaki said.
Speaking in his home state of Kentucky, Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell said the Biden administration is “moving in the right direction” with its response to Russia’s troop buildup along Ukraine’s border.Speaking in his home state of Kentucky, Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell said the Biden administration is “moving in the right direction” with its response to Russia’s troop buildup along Ukraine’s border.
“They’re prepared to take steps before an incursion and not afterwards,” McConnell said, per NBC News.“They’re prepared to take steps before an incursion and not afterwards,” McConnell said, per NBC News.
Republican Todd Young, a member of the Senate foreign relations committee, also argued that the White House needs to be proactive in responding to Russian aggression.Republican Todd Young, a member of the Senate foreign relations committee, also argued that the White House needs to be proactive in responding to Russian aggression.
“I think whatever can be done to establish deterrence needs to done in short order,” Young told Punchbowl News this morning.“I think whatever can be done to establish deterrence needs to done in short order,” Young told Punchbowl News this morning.