Zelensky, whose country is facing the prospect of a Russian invasion after Russian President Vladimir Putin amassed a significant military presence on the border between the two nations, wrote on social media on Thursday, "We want to remind the great powers that there are no minor incursions and small nations. Just as there are no minor casualties and little grief from the loss of loved ones. I say this as the President of a great power."
President Biden made headlines for appearing to suggest, during a marathon press conference one day earlier, that a "minor" invasion would not result in the harsh sanctions and ramifications that the administration had previously threatened.
WATCH: HOW WAS JURY SELECTION HANDLED IN TRUMP'S TRIAL?
“It’s one thing if it’s a minor incursion, and we have to fight about what to do and not to do,” Biden stated. “But if they actually do what they're capable of doing with the force amassed on the border, it is going to be a disaster for Russia if they further invade Ukraine.”
WATCH: "WE WILL OPEN YOU UP LIKE A SOFT PEANUT"
“There are differences in NATO as to what countries are willing to do, depending on what happens, the degree to which they’re willing to go,” he noted, explaining that the most severe sanctions on Russia “are gonna have a negative impact on the United States as well as a negative impact on the economies of Europe as well, [and] a devastating impact on Russia.”
A LOOK INSIDE DEMOCRATS' PLAN TO WIN BACK THE HOUSE WITH RECORD INVESTMENT
White House press secretary Jen Psaki walked back the President's remarks hours later.
"President Biden has been clear with the Russian President: If any Russian military forces move across the Ukrainian border, that’s a renewed invasion, and it will be met with a swift, severe, and united response from the United States and our allies," she remarked. "President Biden also knows from long experience that the Russians have an extensive playbook of aggression short of military action, including cyberattacks and paramilitary tactics. And he affirmed today that those acts of Russian aggression will be met with a decisive, reciprocal, and united response."
She also addressed Zelensky's tweet during a Thursday morning appearance on Fox News. "The president has conveyed directly to President Putin if there is the movement of any military troops across the border, that is an invasion," she said. "If they go in, that is an invasion, and there will be severe economic consequences. I know President Zelensky knows that, we’ve conveyed it. It is also true, as President Zelensky has experienced, that there are a range of tactics the Russians use. We have been warning about some of those steps, including the spreading of misinformation out there, which has been widespread, was widespread in 2014, the use of cyber tools, and we also will be ready to respond to that as well and working in lockstep with Ukraine."
Discover alternative ideas that will make you think
Engage in mind bending debate
Earn points, rise in rank, have fun
