WASHINGTON: U.S. President Joe Biden said that Washington believes a Russian invasion of Ukraine is “still very much a possibility,” and he appealed to Russian President Vladimir Putin to continue talks — or risk severe consequences.

“World War II was a war of necessity,” Biden said.

“But if Russia attacks Ukraine, it would be a war of choice, or a war without cause or reason. I say these things not to provoke but to speak the truth, because the truth matters. Accountability matters.”

Biden said, “If Russia does invade in the days and weeks ahead, the human cost for Ukraine will be immense, and the strategic costs for Russia will also be immense.”

He said that if Russia attacks Ukraine, it will be met with overwhelming international condemnation. The world will not forget that Russia chose needless death and destruction.

“Invading Ukraine will prove to be a self-inflicted wound. The United States and our allies and partners will respond decisively,” Biden said.

On Tuesday, Putin said he is ready for negotiations with the U.S. and its NATO allies over missile deployments and military exercises in Europe, after Moscow announced it is withdrawing some troops from along the Ukraine border.

“That would be good,” Biden said, echoing skepticism voiced by Ukrainian and NATO officials, “but we have not yet verified that. We have not yet verified the Russian military units are returning to their own bases. Indeed, our analysts indicate that they remain very much in a threatening position. And the fact remains right now Russia has more than 150,000 troops encircling Ukraine and Belarus and along Ukraine’s border.”

And if Russia takes action, he said — even through a virtual invasion — Biden warned of steep consequences.

(VOA)