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.”
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.
Manu Raju(@mkraju)
“It would be the largest invasion since World War II,” Biden said of Russia/Ukraine. “It would change the world.” He said that there would be “enormous consequences” for Russia if it invades. US troops could be moving to Europe in “near term,” he says, but won’t be in Ukraine
US House speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Tuesday evening she plans to seek re-election as a representative of California, continuing her 30-year run in Congress.
On her Twitter account, Pelosi said that despite progress being made “much more needs to be done to improve people’s lives”.
Nancy Pelosi(@TeamPelosi)
While we have made progress much more needs to be done to improve people’s lives. This election is crucial: nothing less is at stake than our Democracy.
But we don’t agonize-we organize. I am running for re-election to Congress to deliver For The People and defend Democracy. -NP pic.twitter.com/ojwFPOdRs3
Pelosi, 81, was the first woman speaker of the House. She served first from 2007 to 2011, and her current term began in 2019.
She did not indicate in her announcement whether she would again run for speaker, as Democrats brace for the possible loss of its majority in the 8 November midterm elections.
In 2018 she indicated the role would be turned over to new leadership and that this term would be her last.
Hello readers! Kari Paul here, the Guardian’s West Coast tech correspondent, covering the blog for the next few hours. Stay tuned for updates.
A busy day in US politics continues, with a focus on international news as tension continues to rise over Russia’s threatening conduct towards Ukraine. There’s plenty of domestic news, too, and our west coast colleague Kari Paul will take you through all further developments.
Here’s where things stand:
Joe Bidenwill welcome Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the ruler of the small Persian Gulf state of Qatar, in Washington, DC, on Monday amid talks among allies on how to ensure energy supplies to Europe if Ukraine is invaded by Russia.
There will be “enormous consequences” for Russia if Ukraine is invaded, the US president said this afternoon.
White House press secretaryJen Psakiconfirmed 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.
The US has helped preparefor the diversion of natural gas supplies from around the world to Europe in the event that the flow from Russia is cut.
Biden considers US options on Ukraine as west seeks united front while Vladimir Putin considers an invasion and builds up his troop presence along the border.
Joe Biden will welcome Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the ruler of the small Persian Gulf state of Qatar, in Washington, DC, on Monday amid talks among allies on how to ensure energy supplies to Europe if Ukraine is invaded by Russia, which then cuts of its substantial gas supplies to the west.
The US president and the Qatari emir are also expected to discuss Taliban control and the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan and nuclear tensions with Iran.
Joe Biden greets US Marines outside the Marine Barracks as he makes a surprise walk down Barracks Row in Washington, DC, this afternoon. Biden also did a spot of shopping at small business ‘Honey Made’ in the District. Photograph: REX/Shutterstock
Reuters further reports:
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani’s visit, the first since Biden took office a year ago, comes as Washington discusses with energy-producing states and firms a potential diversion of supplies to Europe if Russia invades Ukraine.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the matter with the foreign minister of Qatar, a top liquefied natural gas producer, in a phone call on Monday, a source told the news agency.
Washington is concerned that a possible Russian military assault on Ukraine could trigger U.S. and European sanctions on Moscow, which would then halt the delivery of Russian gas to Europe. Russia denies it plans to attack Ukraine.
Global gas supplies are already tight and Qatar Energy’s shipments are locked into long-term supply contracts which the company cannot easily break.
Sheikh Tamim’s visit aims to build on relations with ally Washington that have strengthened since Doha hosted talks that led to the 2020 deal for U.S. troops to pull out of Afghanistan, and played a pivotal role in evacuation efforts during the U.S. withdrawal. Qatar has also become the U.S. diplomatic representative in Afghanistan, now under Islamist Taliban rule.
Qatar and Turkey are in negotiations with the Taliban administration to manage operations at Kabul’s international airport, the landlocked country’s main international airlink.
Sheikh Tamim and Biden are also expected to discuss efforts by global powers to salvage a 2015 nuclear pact with Iran, with which Doha has ties, as well as efforts to end the Yemen war, the sources said.
Nato solidarity should be maintained and built upon in the approach to Russia’s aggressive build-up of troops on the Ukrainian border amid fears of an invasion, the Guardian writes in an editorial today.
US Delivers Military Hardware To Ukraine. A plane prepares to unload weapons delivered by the US military at Boryspil Airport near Kyiv, Ukraine, earlier today. Photograph: Sean Gallup/Getty Images
Loud signaling about solidarity actually gives further clues about division among the allies, our team writes, following Joe Biden’s recent gaffe when he suggested Nato differences over how to respond in the event of a “minor incursion” of Ukraine’s territory.
But now there are signs that the allies are moving closer. Here is the article:
The US president’s need to state on Monday that there is “total unanimity” over how to deal with the Ukraine crisis, like the video call with European leaders which preceded it, was itself evidence of ongoing differences among western allies. There is no dispute about the threat: more than 100,000 Russian troops are now massed near Ukraine’s borders. The US has put 8,500 troops on standby to deploy to Europe to reinforce allies there, while Nato has reinforced its eastern borders with warships and fighter jets. A senior US official briefed on Tuesday that in the event of an invasion, sanctions will “start at the top of the escalation ladder and stay there”.
In addition to the clear deterrent message, talks continue: Dmitry Kozak, the Kremlin’s deputy chief of staff, will meet French, German and Ukrainian officials in Paris on Wednesday, in the “Normandy format”. Set against that, Russia paid little price for the annexation of Crimea and fomenting the separatist uprising in the Donbas region in 2014. There is a credible case that Russia is set on a major military offensive – not merely pursuing coercive diplomacy – and that it is in Moscow’s interests to act before Kyiv receives further arms shipments. Above all, there is at present no visible off-ramp for Vladimir Putin. The very thing he says Russia must counter – Nato’s presence in eastern Europe – is growing because of his own actions. He might take an exit; it’s harder to see him beating a retreat.
So the risks are high and rising. But an attack on Ukraine is not inevitable. French officials have indicated that they regard recent US and UK briefing as alarmist; Kyiv itself is notably more cautious. An analysis by the Centre for Defence Strategies, a Ukrainian thinktank, says a full-scale invasion capturing most of the country in the next few months seems unlikely, given current Russian troop formations. But it also suggests that “hybrid invasion” is already being implemented, citing the recent cyber-attack. Moscow may believe that such methods, along with cross-border missile strikes, sabotage and political meddling, might be enough to effect a change of government. (The EU offer of €1.2bn in emergency financial assistance is designed to reduce pressure on Kyiv.)
What price would Russia pay? Its markets have already tanked; and it appears to have amassed a cash stockpile in preparation for sanctions. It believes its control of gas supplies give it asymmetric leverage, especially given Europe’s cost of living crisis. And it may count on distraction and disunity in the west. The stepping up of US rhetoric is in part an attempt to compensate for Joe Biden’s gaffe suggesting Nato division over how to respond to a “minor incursion”. Excitable UK briefing over the weekend comes as the prime minister hopes for people to look beyond his domestic woes. Germany, from history, principle (established policy against arms sales to war zones) and pragmatism (it gets more than half of its gas from Russia), is strikingly more muted; uncertainty persists over how far it would go, especially over the NordStream 2 gas pipeline.
Nonetheless, there are signs that the allies are moving closer after Monday’s call – US coordination with Qatar and other suppliers to address the energy shortfall is helpful – and are certainly more united than in 2014. The drumbeat of war is concentrating minds and encouraging solidarity. That must now be maintained and built upon.
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.
Rep. Jim Cooper, D-Nashville, announces his victory during the Democratic watch party at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel, in Nashville, Tenn. Photograph: Andrew Nelles/AP
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.”
Steven Portnoy(@stevenportnoy)
Will Putin invade Ukraine?
“I don’t think even his people know for certain,” Biden tells reporters, comparing the current status to “reading tea leaves.”
Biden adds the largest invasion in Europe since WWII would lead to “enormous consequences worldwide.” pic.twitter.com/lItTum7zTI
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:
SWIFT RETALIATION
For the U.S. and its European allies, cutting Russia out of the SWIFT financial system, which shuffles money from bank to bank around the globe, would be one of the toughest financial steps they could take, damaging Russia’s economy immediately and in the long term. The move could cut Russia off from most international financial transactions, including international profits from oil and gas production, which in all accounts for more than 40% of the country’s revenue…
DOLLAR CLEARING
The United States already holds one of the most powerful financial weapons to wield against Putin if he invades Ukraine — blocking Russia from access to the U.S. dollar…
EXPORT CONTROLS
White House press secretary Jen Psaki has confirmed that the U.S. is considering imposing export controls — potentially cutting off Russia from the high tech that helps warplanes and passenger jets fly and makes smartphones smart, along with the other software and advanced electronic gear that make the modern world run…
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.”
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.
Manu Raju(@mkraju)
“It would be the largest invasion since World War II,” Biden said of Russia/Ukraine. “It would change the world.” He said that there would be “enormous consequences” for Russia if it invades. US troops could be moving to Europe in “near term,” he says, but won’t be in Ukraine
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.
Capitol Police officer Eugene Goodman arrives in the Crypt of the US Capitol for President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration ceremony on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021 in Washington. Photograph: Jim Lo Scalzo/AP
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.
“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.”
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 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.
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:
Sara Cook(@saraecook)
.@SecDef Austin and General Milley spotted leaving the White House at 12:30pm after about 2 and a half hours inside. @SecBlinken was seen arriving just after 12pm. pic.twitter.com/7UkQD7lHYD
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.”
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.
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 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.
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.
“They’re prepared to take steps before an incursion and not afterwards,” McConnell said, per NBC News.
Julie Tsirkin(@JulieNBCNews)
McConnell in KY says he’s spoken to the White House about Russia/Ukraine and says “the administration is moving in the right direction” in terms of their response.
“They’re prepared to take steps before an incursion and not afterwards.”
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.
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