The conflict that is between the West and Russia over Ukraine has escalated into a possible invasion that could happen at any time. US Vice President Kamala Harris recently reiterated Washington’s commitment to imposing strict sanctions in case Russia decides to make an incursion.
Harris led the congressional delegation to the recent Munich Security Conference over the weekend, where she also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. During her meeting with Zelensky, Harris pledged that the US was committed to preserving Ukraine’s sovereignty. Harris also addressed the attendees at the conference, reiterating the Biden administration’s pledge to impose economic sanctions on Russia should it invade, following its annexation of Crimea in 2014.
“Let me be clear, I can say with absolute certainty: If Russia further invades Ukraine, the United States, together with our allies and partners, will impose significant and unprecedented economic costs,” said Harris.
Harris’s remarks at the security conference come a day after US President Joe Biden said he was “convinced” that Russian President Vladimir Putin has decided to invade Ukraine. Harris said that the West has “strength through unity,” and that an invasion will lead to a bigger NATO presence near Russia.
Shortly before the start of her meeting with Zelensky, Harris said that the world is currently at a “decisive moment in history” and told the Ukrainian leader that the US takes any threat against Ukraine seriously.
Harris along with other allies in NATO have tried to de-escalate the tensions through diplomatic means. However, the efforts have been unsuccessful as tens of thousands of troops remain at Russia’s border with Ukraine and even reached Belarus. The Kremlin has since tried to pin the blame on the West for escalating the situation.
At the conference, Harris also met and spoke with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, who also echoed Harris’s remarks that the alliance is united in pursuing diplomatic efforts to reach a solution while reaffirming NATO’s commitment to support and defend its allies. Stoltenberg also stressed the importance of NATO member countries to put on a united front, especially at this time.
“The United States continues to demonstrate transatlantic solidarity in words and in deeds by consulting with all Allies every step of the way, and with more troops, ships, and planes in Europe, European Allies are also stepping up,” said Stoltenberg.